Weld training simulations using mobile devices, modular workpieces, and simulated welding equipment

ABSTRACT

Systems for simulating joining operations, such as welding, are disclosed. In some examples, a system may use a mobile device for conducting welding simulations, such as for purposes of training. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, use modular workpieces. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, conduct the welding simulation based on one or more selected pieces of welding equipment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of, and priority to,Provisional Patent Application No. 62/940,111, entitled “WELD TRAININGSIMULATIONS USING MOBILE DEVICES, MODULAR WORKPIECES, AND SIMULATEDWELDING EQUIPMENT,” filed Nov. 25, 2019, the entire contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to weld training simulationsand, more particularly, to weld training simulations using mobiledevices, modular workpieces, and simulated welding equipment.

BACKGROUND

The welding industry has a shortage of experienced and skilledoperators. Additionally, it is difficult and expensive to train newoperators using live welding equipment. Further, even experiencedwelders often have difficulty maintaining important welding techniquesthroughout welding processes. Thus, there is a demand for affordabletraining tools and equipment that help operators develop, maintain,and/or refine welding skills.

Simulated welding tools make it possible for both experienced andinexperienced weld operators to practice producing high quality weldsprior to actually using the real welding equipment. Additionally,welding operators can test out different welding tools in a simulatedenvironment prior to actually purchasing that particular welding tool.However, conventional systems and methods for simulating joiningoperations require substantial investments in equipment (e.g.,processors, displays, practice workpieces, welding tool(s), sensor(s),etc).

Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approacheswill become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison ofsuch systems with the present disclosure as set forth in the remainderof the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to weld training simulations usingmobile devices, modular workpieces, and simulated welding equipment,substantially as illustrated by and/or described in connection with atleast one of the figures, and as set forth in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentdisclosure, as well as details of an illustrated example thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a depicts an example weld training system, in accordance withaspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 1b depicts another example weld training system, in accordance withaspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing example components of a mobile deviceof the weld training system of FIG. 1a , in accordance with aspects ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example welding simulation programof the example weld training system of FIG. 1a-1b , in accordance withaspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 4a depicts an example mobile device display during a normaloperation of the example welding simulation program of FIG. 3, inaccordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 4b depicts an example mobile device display during a tool-lessoperation of the example welding simulation program of FIG. 3, inaccordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 4c depicts an example mobile device mounted to an example weldingtool during a helmet-less operation of the example welding simulationprogram of FIG. 3, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIGS. 4d-4f depict an example mobile device display showing an optionspanel and example previews of the impact of certain selected optionsduring the example welding simulation program of FIG. 3, in accordancewith aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example temperature detectionprocess, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example orientation configurationprocess, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIGS. 7a-7b illustrate different perspectives of an example weldingtool, as may be captured by a camera sensor of the mobile device of FIG.2 when the mobile device is mounted in different orientations, inaccordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example workpiece configurationprocess, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIGS. 9a-9f depict example modular workpieces that may be used with theexample weld training systems of FIGS. 1a-1b , in accordance withaspects of this disclosure.

FIGS. 10a-10f depict example workpiece assemblies constructed from someof the modular workpieces of FIGS. 9a-9f , in accordance with aspect ofthis disclosure.

FIGS. 11a-11b depicts an example fixturing system of the example weldtraining systems of FIGS. 1a-1b , in accordance with aspects of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 11c depicts an example of an alternative fixture system that may beused with the example weld training systems of FIGS. 1a-1b , inaccordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example equipment configurationprocess, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts an example simulated equipment interface that may bedisplayed during operation of the example equipment configurationprocess of FIG. 12, in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts example piece of welding equipment with an actualequipment interface that may be used as a basis for the simulatedequipment interface of FIG. 13, in accordance with aspects of thisdisclosure.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Where appropriate, the same orsimilar reference numerals are used in the figures to refer to similaror identical elements. For example, reference numerals utilizinglettering (e.g., workpiece 900 a, workpiece 900 b) refer to instances ofthe same reference numeral that does not have the lettering (e.g.,workpieces 900).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to simulating (e.g., viaaugmented, mixed, and/or virtual reality) joining operations (e.g.,welding, brazing, adhesive bonding, and/or other joining operations).While the following disclosure sometimes refers to welding and/or weldtraining as a shorthand, the disclosure is equally applicable to otherjoining operations.

Some example of the present disclosure relate to using mobile devices(e.g., smartphone, tablet, personal digital assistant, electronic bookreader, ipod, etc.) for conducting welding simulations, such as forpurposes of training. In some examples, it may be advantageous to usemobile devices due to their availability, relative affordability, and/ortechnical power. The disclosure further contemplates automaticallydetecting whether an orientation of the mobile device is proper for thesimulation, and notifying the user if not.

The present disclosure additionally contemplates using modularworkpieces for conducting welding simulations. In some examples, themodular workpieces may be configured to tool-lessly connect to, and/ordisconnect from, other modular workpieces to form various workpieceassemblies. In some examples, tool-less connectors may be advantageousbecause they can be easily connected to and/or engaged with otherconnectors without the need for auxiliary tools (e.g., screwdrivers,hammers, etc.). Tool-less connectors may also be advantageous overadhesives, as the tool-less connectors may be continually connected,disconnected, and reconnected with negligible change to theireffectiveness, unlike adhesives. In some examples, the weldingsimulation may further be configured to recognize different jointsformed by the modular workpieces, and conduct the welding simulationaccordingly.

The present disclosure further contemplates using simulated equipmentinterfaces that replicate the appearance of actual equipment interfacesof actual welding-type equipment. In some examples, this replication mayhelp orient a user who is already familiar with a particular piece ofwelding-type equipment and/or its actual equipment interface, therebymaking them more comfortable with the welding simulation. In someexamples, the replication may help users who are unfamiliar with aparticular piece of welding-type equipment become familiar with thewelding-type equipment (and/or its interface). Additionally, the presentdisclosure contemplates simulating certain welding effects in accordancewith the way the effects might occur in the real world when real weldingis performed using the real world welding-type equipment.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a mock workpiece foruse with a mobile electronic device conducting a welding simulation,comprising: an object comprising: a marker configured for recognition ordetection by the mobile device; and a connector configured for tool-lessconnection to a complementary connector of a complementary mockworkpiece.

In some examples, the connector comprises a magnet, a hook fastener, aloop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a clamping fastener, a prong,a stud, or a socket. In some examples, the connector comprises an arrayof connectors positioned along an edge or middle of the object. In someexamples, the array of connectors are arranged asymmetrically in a pokayoke configuration to prevent incorrect connection to the complementaryconnector.

In some examples, the marker is positioned over the connector, hidingthe connector. In some examples, the connection of the connector andcomplementary connector creates a joint at an intersection of the mockworkpiece and the complementary mock workpiece, the joint comprising alap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edge joint, or apipe joint. In some examples, the connector is further configured forremovable connection to a complementary connector of a fixturing system.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a weld trainingsystem, comprising: a first workpiece having a first connector; a secondworkpiece having a second connector configured to tool-lessly engage thefirst connector to secure the first workpiece to the second workpiece;and a mobile electronic device configured to conduct a weld trainingsimulation, the mobile electronic device comprising: a sensor configuredto detect data relating to the first workpiece and second workpiece,processing circuitry, and memory circuitry comprising computer readableinstructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause theprocessing circuitry to: determine a spatial relationship between thefirst workpiece and the second workpiece based on the data detected bythe sensor.

In some examples, the spatial relationship comprises a type of jointdefined by an intersection of the first workpiece and second workpiece,the type of joint comprising a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint,a T joint, an edge joint, or a pipe joint. In some examples, the memorycircuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, whenexecuted by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry tooutput a notification in response to determining the spatialrelationship is different than an expected spatial relationship. In someexamples, the notification comprises instructions for transitioning fromthe spatial relationship determined by the processing circuitry to theexpected spatial relationship.

In some examples, the expected spatial relationship is based on aparameter of the weld training simulation, the parameter comprising aselected exercise, a selected part, or a selected joint type. In someexamples, the memory circuitry further comprises computer readableinstructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause theprocessing circuitry to determine a training score based on a differencebetween the spatial relationship determined by the processing circuitryand the expected spatial relationship. In some examples, the memorycircuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, whenexecuted by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry toconduct the weld training simulation based on the spatial relationshipof the first workpiece and second workpiece.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a mock workpieceassembly for use with a mobile electronic device conducting a weldingsimulation, comprising: a first mock workpiece, comprising: a firstmarker configured for recognition or detection by the mobile electronicdevice, and a first connector; and a second mock workpiece comprising: asecond marker configured for recognition or detection by the mobileelectronic device, a second connector configured for tool-lessconnection to the first connector in a first joint arrangement, and athird connector configured for tool-less connection to the firstconnector in a second joint arrangement that is different than the firstjoint arrangement.

In some examples, the first connector, second connector, and thirdconnector comprise a first connector array, second connector array, andthird connector array, respectively. In some examples, the first jointarrangement or second joint arrangement comprise a lap joint, a buttjoint, a corner joint, a T joint, or an edge joint. In some examples,the second connector and third connector are further configured fortool-less disconnection from the first connector. In some examples, thefirst connector, second connector, or third connector comprises amagnet, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, aclamping fastener, a prong, a stud, or a socket. In some examples, themock workpiece assembly further comprises a third mock workpiececomprising: a third marker configured for recognition or detection bythe mobile electronic device, and a fourth connector configured fortool-less connection to the first connector in a third jointarrangement.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a mock workpiece foruse with a desktop electronic device conducting a welding simulation,comprising: an object comprising: a marker configured for recognition ordetection by the desktop electronic device; and a connector configuredfor tool-less connection to a complementary connector of a complementarymock workpiece.

In some examples, the connector comprises a magnet, a hook fastener, aloop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a clamping fastener, a prong,a stud, or a socket. In some examples, the connector comprises an arrayof connectors positioned along an edge or middle of the object. In someexamples, the array of connectors are arranged asymmetrically in a pokayoke configuration to prevent incorrect connection to the complementaryconnector.

In some examples, the marker is positioned over the connector, hidingthe connector. In some examples, the connection of the connector andcomplementary connector creates a joint at an intersection of the mockworkpiece and the complementary mock workpiece, the joint comprising alap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edge joint, or apipe joint. In some examples, the connector is further configured forremovable connection to a complementary connector of a fixturing system.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a weld trainingsystem, comprising: a first workpiece having a first connector; a secondworkpiece having a second connector configured to tool-lessly engage thefirst connector to secure the first workpiece to the second workpiece;and a desktop electronic device configured to conduct a weld trainingsimulation, the desktop electronic device comprising: a sensorconfigured to detect data relating to the first workpiece and secondworkpiece, processing circuitry, and memory circuitry comprisingcomputer readable instructions which, when executed by the processingcircuitry, cause the processing circuitry to: determine a spatialrelationship between the first workpiece and the second workpiece basedon the data detected by the sensor.

In some examples, the spatial relationship comprises a type of jointdefined by an intersection of the first workpiece and second workpiece,the type of joint comprising a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint,a T joint, an edge joint, or a pipe joint. In some examples, the memorycircuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, whenexecuted by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry tooutput a notification in response to determining the spatialrelationship is different than an expected spatial relationship. In someexamples, the notification comprises instructions for transitioning fromthe spatial relationship determined by the processing circuitry to theexpected spatial relationship.

In some examples, the expected spatial relationship is based on aparameter of the weld training simulation, the parameter comprising aselected exercise, a selected part, or a selected joint type. In someexamples, the memory circuitry further comprises computer readableinstructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause theprocessing circuitry to determine a training score based on a differencebetween the spatial relationship determined by the processing circuitryand the expected spatial relationship. In some examples, the memorycircuitry further comprises computer readable instructions which, whenexecuted by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry toconduct the weld training simulation based on the spatial relationshipof the first workpiece and second workpiece.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a mock workpieceassembly for use with a desktop electronic device conducting a weldingsimulation, comprising: a first mock workpiece, comprising: a firstmarker configured for recognition or detection by the mobile electronicdevice, and a first connector; and a second mock workpiece comprising: asecond marker configured for recognition or detection by the desktopelectronic device, a second connector configured for tool-lessconnection to the first connector in a first joint arrangement, and athird connector configured for tool-less connection to the firstconnector in a second joint arrangement that is different than the firstjoint arrangement.

In some examples, the first connector, second connector, and thirdconnector comprise a first connector array, second connector array, andthird connector array, respectively. In some examples, the first jointarrangement or second joint arrangement comprise a lap joint, a buttjoint, a corner joint, a T joint, or an edge joint. In some examples,the second connector and third connector are further configured fortool-less disconnection from the first connector. In some examples, thefirst connector, second connector, or third connector comprises amagnet, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, aclamping fastener, a prong, a stud, or a socket. In some examples, themock workpiece assembly further comprises a third mock workpiececomprising: a third marker configured for recognition or detection bythe desktop electronic device, and a fourth connector configured fortool-less connection to the first connector in a third jointarrangement.

FIG. 1a shows an example weld training system 100 a. The weld trainingsystem 100 a includes a mobile device 200 retained by a device mount 102secured to a welding helmet shell 104. In some examples, the devicemount 102 may be considered part of the mobile device 200. As shown, thedevice mount 102 includes two mounted sensors 106. In some examples, thedevice mount 102 may include more or less mounted sensors 106. In someexamples, the mounted sensors 106 may include, for example, one or moretemperature sensors, accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes,proximity sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, motion sensors,position sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, Bluetoothsensors, and/or near field communication (NFC) sensors.

In the example of FIG. 1a , the mobile device 200 includes one or morecamera sensors 208. While only one camera sensor 208 is shown in theexample of FIG. 1a for the sake of simplicity, in some examples, themobile device 200 may include several camera sensors 208. The mobiledevice 200 also includes mobile sensors 206, as further discussed belowwith respect to FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 1a , the one or morecamera sensors 208 have a field of view (FOV) 108 that is unobstructedby the device mount 102 and welding helmet shell 104. As shown, thedevice mount 102 includes multiple apertures 110, such that the camerasensor(s) 208 may have an unobstructed FOV 108 in multiple differentorientations. The mobile device 200 further includes several lights 202.In some examples, one or more of the lights 202 may help illuminate theFOV 108.

While the device mount 102 is shown as a clamshell case in the exampleof FIG. 1a for ease of illustration, in some examples, the device mount102 may instead comprise an elastic webbing with a multitude ofapertures 110. In some examples, the device mount 102 and/or helmetshell 104 may be configured such as shown in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/694,937, entitled “SYSTEMS FOR SIMULATING JOINING OPERATIONSUSING MOBILE DEVICES,” filed Nov. 25, 2019, the entirety of which ishereby incorporated by reference. Though not shown in FIG. 1a , in someexamples, the device mount 102 and welding helmet shell 104 may beconfigured such that the mobile device 200 may be retained with adisplay screen 204 of the mobile device 200 visible to a wearer of thewelding helmet shell 104. In some examples, the mobile device mayinstead be retained by goggles and/or some sort of head mountedwearable. In some examples, the device mount 102 may be secured to adifferent type of helmet shell 104 and/or headwear.

In some examples, the device mount 102 may be removably secured suchthat the device mount 102 may be toollessly separated from one helmetshell 104 and then toollessly secured to a different helmet shell 104.In some examples, the device mount 102 may be configured for attachmentto the helmet shell 104 in multiple different orientations (e.g., leftand right landscape orientations). In such an example, the orientationof the mobile device 200 may be adjusted by adjusting the attachmentorientation of the device mount 102 to the helmet shell 104.

FIG. 1b shows another example weld training system 100 b. The weldtraining system 100 b is similar to the weld training system 100 a,except that the weld training system 100 b includes a desktop device 250instead of a mobile device 200. In some examples, the desktop device 250may be a desktop computer (and/or similar computing apparatus) housed ina welding power supply façade. As shown, the desktop device 250 is aseparate apparatus that is connected to the helmet shell 104 via cable252 rather than mounted to helmet shell 104 via device mount 102 likethe mobile device 200. While one cable 252 is shown in the example ofFIG. 1b , in some examples, the cable 252 may be a bundle of severaldifferent cables (e.g., to route power, communications signals, etc.)While not shown in the example of FIG. 1b , in some examples, thedesktop device 250 may be connected to mains power, such as through oneor more power cables.

In the example of FIG. 1b , the desktop device 250 includes a displayscreen 204 on a housing of the desktop device 250, as well as a displayscreen 204 mounted to an interior of the helmet shell 104, where it isviewable by an operator wearing the helmet shell 104. Additionally, themounted sensors 106 are mounted to the helmet shell 104 directly ratherthan through the device mount 102. Further, the camera sensor(s) 208 andlights 202 are mounted to the helmet shell 104. In some examples, thedesktop device 250 may power and/or communicate with the devices mountedto the helmet shell 104 through cable 252. In some examples, the helmetshell 104 may be considered part of the desktop device 250.

While the below disclosure focuses on the mobile device 200 of FIG. 1a ,in some examples, some or all of the disclosure pertaining to the mobiledevice 200 may pertain equally to the desktop device 250. For example,content disclosed as being displayed on the display screen 204 of themobile device 200 may, in some examples, instead (or additionally) bedisplayed on the display screen(s) 204 of the desktop device 250. Asanother example, various components depicted and/or described as beingpart of the mobile device 200 (e.g., with respect to FIG. 2) may, insome examples, instead (or additionally) be part of the desktop device250.

In the examples of FIGS. 1a-1b , a welding tool 700 and a workpieceassembly 1000 are in the FOV 108 of the camera sensor(s) 208 of themobile device 200. As shown, the workpiece assembly 1000 comprises twoworkpieces 900 connected together, as further discussed below. Bothworkpieces 900 of the workpiece assembly 1000 include markers 112. Asshown, the workpiece assembly 1000 is retained by a fixturing system1100, as further discussed below.

In the examples of FIGS. 1a-1b , the welding tool 700 is a welding torchor gun, such as a torch or gun configured for gas metal arc welding(GMAW). In some examples, the welding tool 700 may be an electrodeholder (i.e., stinger) configured for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).In some examples, the welding tool 700 may comprise a torch and/orfiller rod configured for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). In someexamples, the welding tool 700 may comprise a gun configured forflux-cored arc welding (FCAW).

In the examples of FIGS. 1a-1b , the welding tool 700 includes markers112 disposed on its nozzle 702. As shown, the welding tool 700 alsoincludes a handle 704 having a trigger 706. A gooseneck 708 that leadsto the nozzle 702 is attached to one end of the handle 704, while acommunication module 710 is attached to the opposite end of the handle704. In some examples, the communication module 710 may includecommunication circuitry configured for communication with communicationcircuitry 210 of the mobile device 200. In some examples, the weldingtool 700 and/or communication module 710 may include one or more audio,visual, and/or vibration devices. In some examples, the communicationmodule 710 may be configured to send one or more signals to the mobiledevice 200 when the trigger 706 is activated.

In some examples, the welding tool 700 may include markers 112 on otherportions of the welding tool 700 (e.g., handle 704, gooseneck 708,communication module 710, and/or trigger 706). While shown as patternmarkers in the example of FIGS. 1a-1b , in some examples, the markers112 (both on the welding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900) may insteadbe reflectors, light emitting markers (e.g., LEDs), ultrasonic emitters,electromagnetic emitters, and/or other types of active and/or passivemarkers. In some examples, the markers 112 may be permanently affixedto, imprinted on, embedded in, and/or removably connected to the weldingtool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900. In some examples, each marker 112 maybe uniquely recognizable when alone and/or when arranged with othermarkers 112 such that a particular combination and/or configuration ofmarkers 112 are uniquely recognizable.

In some examples, the mobile device 200 may capture sensor data (e.g.,images) relating to the welding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900. Insome examples, the mobile device 200 may determine a position,orientation, motion, configuration, and/or other characteristic(s) ofthe welding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900 based on an analysis of thesensor data. In some examples, the markers 112 may assist in thisanalysis. For example, one or more characteristics of the markers 112may be recognized and/or interpreted to help determine the position,orientation, motion, configuration, and/or other characteristic of thewelding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900. In some examples, the mobiledevice 200 may be configured to conduct a welding simulation using thesensor data, and/or positions, orientations, motions, configurations,and/or other characteristics of the welding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s)900. In some examples, image recognition techniques may be utilized inrecognizing and/or interpreting the markers 112, welding tool 700,and/or workpiece(s) 900. In some examples, the welding tool 700 and/orworkpiece(s) 900 may be markerless, and the weld training system 100 mayuser markerless techniques to determine position, orientation,configuration, and/or other characteristics of the welding tool 700and/or workpiece(s) 900.

In the examples of FIG. 1a-1b , the weld training system 100 furtherincludes one or more remote servers 114 and one or more remote displays116. As shown, the mobile device 200 is in communication with the one ormore remote servers 114 and one or more remote displays 116, such asthrough communication circuitry 210 of the mobile device 200, forexample. In some examples, the mobile device 200 may be in communicationwith the one or more remote servers 114 and one or more remote displays116 through a network (e.g., a local area network, wide area network,the internet, etc.). In some examples, the mobile device 200 may beconfigured to upload and/or download data (e.g., simulation and/ortraining data) to/from the remote display(s) 116 and/or remote server(s)114. In some examples, the remote display(s) 116 may be configured todisplay a mirror image (and/or similar image) of the display screen 204of the mobile device 200. While shown as separate in the examples ofFIGS. 1a-1b , in some examples, one or more of the remote servers 114and/or remote displays 116 may be in proximity to, interconnected with,and/or in communication with one another.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing example components of the mobiledevice 200. As shown, the mobile device 200 includes several componentsin electrical communication with one another via a common electrical bus201. In particular, the mobile device 200 includes one or more dataports 212, speakers 214, lights 202, other output devices 216 (e.g.,vibration devices), input devices 218, camera sensors 208, and/or othermobile sensors 206. The mobile device 200 further includes communicationcircuitry 210, audio circuitry 220, processing circuitry 222, graphicscircuitry 224, memory circuitry 226, and a display screen 204.

In some examples, the components of the mobile device 200 may reside onone or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) and/or flex circuits. Whilenot shown in the example of FIG. 2 for the sake of simplicity, in someexamples the mobile device 200 may further include a power source inelectrical communication with, and/or configured to supply power to, thevarious components of the mobile device 200. In some examples, thedisplay screen 204 may be a touch screen configured to detect and/orreceive touch based input (e.g., via capacitive, acoustic, inductive,and/or resistive touchscreen sensors). In some examples, the inputdevices 218 may include, for example, one or more touchscreen elements,microphones, physical buttons, gesture controls, biometric sensors,and/or other types of input devices that generate electric signals inresponse to user input.

In some examples, the camera sensor(s) 208 may include one or moreadjustable lenses, filters, and/or other optical components forcapturing electromagnetic waves in one or more spectra, such as, forexample, infrared, visible, and/or ultraviolet. In some examples, two ormore of the camera sensors 208 may implement stereoscopic trackingand/or capture stereoscopic images. In some examples, one or more of thecamera sensors 208 and one or more of the mounted sensors 106 mayimplement stereoscopic tracking and/or capture stereoscopic images. Insome examples, one or more of the other mobile sensors 206 may comprisetemperature sensors, accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes,proximity sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, motion sensors,position sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, Bluetoothsensors, and/or near field communication (NFC) sensors.

In some examples, the communication circuitry 210 may be configured forwireless communication with the communication module 710 of the weldingtool 700, remote server(s) 114, and/or remote display(s) 116 via one ormore wireless communication protocols. For example, the one or morewireless communication protocols may include NFC protocols, cellularprotocols (e.g., GSM, IS-95, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, etc.), IEEE 802.15.4 basedprotocols in the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radioband (commonly known as Zigbee), low frequency magnetic signal protocolsbeing transmitted at a frequency of approximately 131-134 kHz inconformance with IEEE 1902.1 standard (commonly known as Rubee), shortwavelength ultra high frequency radio communication protocols in the2.400 to 2.485 GHz ISM band in conformance with IEEE 802.15.1 standard(commonly known as Bluetooth), communication protocols in conformancewith the IEEE 802.11 standard (commonly known as Wifi), and/or otherappropriate communication protocols. Though not shown in the example ofFIG. 2, in some examples, the communication circuitry 210 may be inelectrical communication with an antenna of the mobile device 200.

In some examples, the audio circuitry 220 may include circuitryconfigured to drive the one or more speakers 214. In some examples, thegraphics circuitry 224 may include one or more graphical processingunits (GPUs), graphical driver circuitry, and/or circuitry configured todrive graphical display on the display screen 204. In some examples, thegraphics circuitry 224 may be configured to generate one or moresimulation (e.g., augmented reality, mixed reality, and/or virtualreality) images on the display screen 204 during a welding simulation.

In some examples, the processing circuitry 222 may include one or moreprocessors. In the example of FIG. 2, the memory circuitry 226 includes(and/or stores) a welding simulation program 300. As shown, the weldingsimulation program 300 includes a temperature detection process 500, anorientation configuration process 600, a workpiece configuration process800, and an equipment configuration process 1200. In some examples, thetemperature detection process 500, orientation configuration process600, workpiece configuration process 800, and/or equipment configurationprocess 1200 may be separate from the welding simulation program 300. Insome examples, the welding simulation program 300 may comprise machinereadable instructions configured to be executed by the processingcircuitry 222.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the weldingsimulation program 300. In the example of FIG. 3, the welding simulationprogram 300 begins at block 302. At block 302, certain simulationparameters of the simulation program 300 are configured and/or selectedduring a preliminary configuration. The simulation parameters mayinclude, for example, one or more simulation exercises, joint types,tutorial settings, goals, difficulty settings, feedback settings,realism settings, sensor settings, lighting settings, input devicesettings, output device settings, communication settings, simulationmodes, fixture parameters, equipment types, equipment parameters,thresholds, product credentials, user credentials, user characteristics,upload settings, screen mirroring settings, marking parameters, and/orother appropriate settings and/or parameters. In some examples, thesimulation program 300 may conduct a welding simulation based, at leastin part, on some or all of these simulation parameters.

In some examples, a simulation exercise may comprise a predefinedactivity, test, and/or task for a user to complete during a weldingsimulation. In some examples, a simulation exercise may be automaticallydetermined and/or selected by the simulation program 300, such as, forexample, based on a selected/determined joint type and/or othersimulation parameter. In some examples, a simulation exercise may be afreeform exercise, where there is no predefined task, and a user isinstead given free reign to weld in whatever manner they wish.

In some examples, a joint type may comprise a type of joint defined byan intersection of two workpieces 900 in a workpiece assembly 1000. Insome examples, a joint type may comprise, for example, a lap joint, abutt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edge joint, and/or a pipejoint. In some examples, a joint type may be automatically determinedand/or selected by the simulation program 300, such as, for example,based on sensor data, a selected simulation exercise, and/or some othersimulation parameter.

In some examples, a tutorial may be an audio, pictorial, and/or videotutorial that is output to a user through appropriate mechanisms of themobile device 200. In some examples, a selected tutorial may be outputprior to and/or during a welding simulation. In some examples, atutorial may be interactive, requiring some input from user to complete.In some examples, a tutorial may be automatically determined and/orselected by the simulation program 300, such as, for example, based on aselected/determined exercise, joint type, goal, difficulty, feedback,realism, and/or other simulation parameters.

In some examples, a goal may be an objective and/or target grade and/orscore for a user to achieve during a welding simulation. In someexamples, the goal may be automatically determined and/or selected bythe simulation program 300, such as, for example, based on aselected/determined exercise, joint type, difficulty, realism, mode,and/or other simulation parameter(s). In some examples, a difficulty(e.g., very easy, easy, normal, hard, very hard, etc.) may refer to howambitious a goal may be, and/or how strict and/or stringent may be thescoring of the welding simulation. In some examples, the difficulty maybe automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program300, such as, for example, based on a selected/determined exercise,realism, mode, and/or other simulation parameter(s).

In some examples, a feedback setting may indicate the means by whichfeedback should be provided to a user during the welding simulation. Forexample, feedback may be provided through audio, visual, vibration,and/or other means. In some examples, a feedback setting may indicatehow much and/or how little feedback should be provided to the userduring the welding simulation. For example, feedback may be providedwith respect to all or some equipment parameters and/or weldingtechnique parameters (e.g., tool angle, tool aim, tool speed, toolposition, contact tip to work distance, workpiece position, workpieceorientation, workpiece configuration, equipment parameters, etc.). Insome examples, a feedback setting may allow suppression of feedback withrespect to some or all equipment parameters and/or welding techniqueparameters. In some examples, a feedback setting may allow suppressionof feedback with respect to all but one equipment parameter and/orwelding technique parameter. In some examples, a feedback setting may beautomatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program 300,such as, for example, based on a selected/determined simulationexercise, joint type, tutorial, goal, difficulty, realism, and/or otherappropriate simulation settings and/or parameters.

In some examples, a realism setting (e.g., low, medium, high, etc.) mayindicate how close to reality the welding simulation attempts to adhere.For example, the welding simulation may simulate or omit certain thingsthat sometimes occur during real life welding (e.g., sounds, smoke,fumes, lights, vibrations, resistance, anomalies, impurities, burnthrough, etc.) based on a realism setting. In some examples, the realismsetting may impact certain performance quality settings (e.g., of thedisplay screen 204, graphics circuitry 224, etc.). In some examples, arealism setting may be automatically determined and/or selected by thesimulation program 300, such as, for example, based on aselected/determined simulation exercise, goal, difficulty, and/or otherappropriate simulation settings and/or parameters.

In some examples, sensor settings may be settings pertaining to thecamera sensor(s) 208 and/or mobile sensors 206 of the mobile device 200,and/or the mounted sensors 106 of the device mount 102. In someexamples, sensor settings may include autofocus and/or auto-trackingsettings of the camera sensor(s) 208. In some examples, sensor settingsmay include a calibration of one or more of the camera sensors 208and/or mobile sensors 206 (e.g., accelerometers and/or gyroscopes). Insome examples, lighting settings may include settings pertaining to thelights 202 of the mobile device, such as, for example, brightness,intensity, when to be on/off, how long to stay on/off, and/or otherappropriate settings. In some examples, certain lighting settings may beautomatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program 300,such as, for example, based on a selected/determined simulationexercise, goal, difficulty, realism, and/or other appropriate settingsand/or parameters.

In some examples, input and/or output device settings may be settingspertaining to the input and/or output devices of the mobile device 200(e.g., input devices 218, display screen 204, speaker(s) 214, etc.). Forexample, an input device setting may turn on/off a microphone and/ortouch screen sensitivity of the display screen 204. As another example,an output device setting may be a volume of the speaker 214 and/or abrightness, color, resolution, and/or graphics quality of the displayscreen 204. In some examples, certain input and/or output devicesettings may be automatically determined and/or selected by thesimulation program 300, such as, for example, based on aselected/determined exercise, tutorial, mode, feedback, realism, and/orother appropriate settings and/or parameters.

In some examples, communication settings may be settings pertaining tothe communication circuitry 210 of the mobile device 200. For example,the communication settings may control and/or impact the connectionbetween the mobile device 200 and the communication module 710 of thewelding tool 700, the remote server(s) 114, and/or the remote display(s)116. For example, the communication settings may control and/or impactthe communication protocols used by the mobile device 200 to communicatewith the communication module 710 of the welding tool 700, the remoteserver(s) 114, and/or the remote display(s) 116. In some examples, thecommunication settings may include a unique identifier of thecommunication module 710 and/or welding tool 700, to enablecommunication between the mobile device 200 and welding tool 700.

In some examples, simulation modes may set different modes of operationfor the welding simulation. For example, selecting a normal mode ofoperation may lead to a normal simulation that overlays simulationimages onto the welding tool 700, workpiece assemblies 1000, and/orother objects in the FOV 108 of the user (e.g., via the mobile device200) when wearing the welding helmet shell 104. FIG. 4a shows an exampleof a display screen 204 of a mobile device 200 during a normal mode ofoperation.

In some examples, selecting a tool-less mode of operation may lead to amore simplified welding simulation that does not use the welding tool700 and/or workpieces 900. Instead of using a welding tool 700, in someexamples, a user may use their finger(s) and/or stylus to deliver touchscreen inputs and/or perform the welding simulation during a tool-lessmode of operation. FIG. 4b shows an example of a display screen 204 of amobile device 200 during a tool-less mode of operation.

In some examples, selecting a helmet-less mode of operation mayconfigure the welding simulation program 300 for operation without ahelmet shell 104. In such an example, the mobile device 200 may besecured to the welding tool 700 instead of the helmet shell 104, such asvia the device mount 102 and/or a torch mount 450. FIG. 4c shows anexample of the mobile device 200 mounted to the welding tool 700 duringa helmet-less mode of operation. In some examples, a simulation mode maybe automatically determined and/or selected by the simulation program300, such as, for example, based on a selected/determined exercise,realism, communication settings, and/or other appropriate simulatedsettings and/or parameters.

In some examples, a fixture parameter may be a location, configuration,and/or orientation of the fixturing system 1100. In some examples, oneor more fixture parameters may be automatically determined and/orselected by the simulation program 300 via a calibration process. Insome examples, an equipment type may include a type and/or model of awelding tool 700, a welding power supply, a wire feeder, a gas supply,and/or a gas valve. In some examples, an equipment parameter may be aparameter of a piece of welding-type equipment (e.g., power supply, gassupply valve, wire feeder, welding tool 700, etc.). Examples ofequipment parameters include a welding process, current, voltage, pulsefrequency, wire type, wire diameter, wire feed speed, pressure,workpiece material type, and/or workpiece material thickness. In someexamples, a threshold may be an upper or lower limit on some parameter,such as, for example, a temperature and/or remaining power of the mobiledevice 200.

In some examples, a product credential may be a unique identifier (e.g.,serial number) of the weld training system 100 and/or a component of theweld training system 100 (e.g., mobile device 200, simulation program300, helmet shell 103, torch 700, etc.). In some examples, a usercredential may be a username, unique identifier, and/or password of auser. In some examples, product credentials and/or user credentials maybe sent to and/or verified by the remote server(s) 114.

In some examples, user characteristics may include, for example, one ormore preferred simulation parameters, dominant hand, height, experience,qualifications, completed exercises, assigned exercises, scores, and/orother characteristics of a user. In some examples, user characteristicsmay be received by the mobile device 200 from the remote server(s) 114,such as in response to sending user credentials. In some examples,upload settings may include information pertaining to what, when, where,and/or how the simulation program 300 should upload data to the remoteserver(s) 114. In some examples, screen mirroring settings may includeinformation pertaining to what, when, where, and/or how the simulationprogram 300 should send to and/or display on the remote display(s) 116.

In the example of FIG. 3, the simulation program 300 proceeds to block304 after block 302. At block 304, the simulation program 300 determineswhether or not to conduct the welding simulation. In some examples, thisdetermination may be based on user input (e.g., selecting to beginsimulation), a detected configuration of the workpieces 900 and/orwelding tool 700, a timer, and/or some other appropriate consideration.For example, the simulation program 300 may prompt the user (e.g., viadisplay screen 204 and/or speakers 214) to hold the trigger 706 for acertain length of time, touch an icon displayed on the screen 204,and/or provide some other input to begin conducting the weldingsimulation. As shown, the simulation program 300 proceeds to block 306if the simulation program determines that the simulation should not yetbegin. At block 306 the simulation program 300 either decides to returnto block 302 or end the simulation program 300 (e.g., based on a userinput to end and/or exit program and/or some other appropriateconsideration).

In the example of FIG. 3, the simulation program 300 proceeds to block308 after block 304 in response to a determination that a weldingsimulation should be conducted. In some examples, the simulation program300 may provide instructions (e.g., via display screen 204 and/orspeakers 214) as to how to setup the weld training system 100 for thesimulation prior to actually beginning the simulation at block 308. Forexample, the simulation program 300 may output instructions (and/orguidance) as to how to secure the mobile device 200 to the helmet shell104 and/or torch 700, and/or how to configure the workpiece(s) 900 priorto actually beginning the simulation at block 308. In some examples, theinstructions may be in the form of one or more images, videos,animations, and/or auditory messages.

In some examples, the instructions (and/or guidance) may be tailored tothe user and/or simulation using one or more parameters of thesimulation program 300. For example, the simulation program 300 mayoutput instructions (and/or guidance) as to how to secure the mobiledevice 200 to the helmet shell 104 in a normal mode of operation, andoutput instructions (and/or guidance) as to how to secure the mobiledevice 200 to the torch 700 in a helmet-less mode of operation. In someexamples, instructions (and/or guidance) as to how to secure the mobiledevice 200 to the helmet shell 104 and/or torch 700 may only be providedif the user selects the icon displayed on the screen 204 to start thesimulation 300 at block 306.

At block 308, the simulation program 300 captures sensor data via thecamera sensor(s) 208, mobile sensors 206, and/or mounted sensors 106.For example, image, audio, thermal, position, movement, angle, and/orother data may be captured. Additionally, at block 308, the simulationprogram 300 captures data from the welding tool 700. In some examples,this may comprise receiving one or more signals from the communicationmodule 710 of the welding tool 700. In some examples, the communicationmodule 710 may be in electrical and/or mechanical communication with thetrigger 706 of the welding tool 700, and/or send one or more signalsindicative of the whether the trigger 706 has been and/or is beingactivated. In some examples, the simulation program 300 mayadditionally, or alternatively, determine whether the trigger has beenand/or is being activated via an analysis of the sensor data (e.g.,distance between and/or presence of certain markers 112). Finally, atblock 308, the simulation program 300 captures input data from the inputdevices 218 and/or display screen 204 of the mobile device 200.

In the example of FIG. 3, the simulation program 300 proceeds to block310 after block 308. At block 310, the simulation program 300 analyzesdata obtained at block 308 to determine positions and/or orientations ofthe welding tool 700, workpiece(s) 900, and/or one or more simulatedwelding tools 407 and/or simulated workpieces 410. In some examples, theanalysis may include analyzing sensor data to recognize markers 112 onthe welding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900 and determine the positionsand/or orientations of those markers 112 relative to the mobile device200. In some examples, the analysis may include using image, acoustic,and/or thermal recognition techniques to identify objects proximate toand/or in the FOV 108 of the mobile device 200. In some examples, theanalysis may take into account one or more of the simulation parametersof block 302.

In the example of FIG. 3, the simulation program 300 proceeds to block312 after block 310. At block 312, the simulation program 300 determinesan impact to a score and/or grade of the user. For example, the user maystart with a score of 0, 50, or 100, and/or a grade of F, C, or A, andthe determined position and/or orientation of the welding tool 700and/or workpiece(s) 900 may impact the grade and/or score. In someexamples, the simulation program 300 may take into consideration one ormore simulation parameters and/or welding technique parameters whendetermining the grade/score impact. For example, the simulation program300 may determine how far from an expected position and/or orientationthe welding tool 700 is when determining a score/grade impact. Further,the simulation program 300 may determine the expected position and/ororientation based on the simulation exercise and/or properties of thesimulation exercise. As another example, the simulation program 300 maydetermine a degree to which a deviation and/or adherence to the expectedposition and/or orientation may impact the score/grade based on thedifficulty and/or realism.

In the example of FIG. 3, the simulation program 300 further determinesfeedback at block 312. For example, the simulation program 300 maydetermine what actions may be taken by the user to improve their score(e.g., change of equipment parameters, welding technique, positionand/or orientation of the welding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900,etc.), and prepare feedback indicative of such actions. In someexamples, the simulation program 300 may consider the position and/ororientation of the welding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900 determinedat block 310 when determining feedback. In some examples, the simulationprogram 300 may additionally, or alternatively, consider certainsimulation parameters when determining feedback (e.g., the selectedexercise, joint type, tutorial, goal, difficulty, feedback settings,mode, equipment type, equipment parameters, marking parameters, etc.).In some examples, feedback may be comprised of audio and/or visualoutput of the mobile device 200 and/or welding tool 700. In someexamples, feedback may be comprised of vibration output of the mobiledevice 200 and/or welding tool 700. In some examples, feedback may becomprised of one or more simulated feedback effects.

In the example of FIG. 3, the simulation program 300 also determines oneor more simulation effect and/or simulation effect properties at block312. For example, the simulation program 300 may determine positions,orientations, intensities, and/or other properties of one or moresimulated welding effects, simulated feedback effects, simulatedinterface effects and/or other simulated effects. In some examples,simulated welding effects may include simulated welding arcs, weldpuddles, weld beads, welding sounds, welding fumes, and/or vibrations.In some examples, simulated feedback effects may include vibrations,reticles, targets, guides, instructions, scores, grades, markings,and/or other appropriate audio, visual, and/or tactile effects. In someexamples, the weld training system 100 may allow a user to add, edit,and/or delete simulated markings, such as described, for example, inU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/273,980, filed Feb.12, 2019, and titled “VIRTUAL MARKINGS IN WELDING SYSTEMS,” the entiretyof which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some examples,simulated interface effects may include simulated buttons, menus, and/orother appropriate audio, visual, and/or tactile effects that assist auser in controlling and/or interfacing with the configuration parametersand/or settings of the welding simulation. In some examples, othereffects may include simulated material overlays (e.g., to make thewelding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900 appear more sturdy, heavy,metallic and/or realistic), buttons, instructions, markings, and/orother appropriate audio, visual, and/or tactile effects.

In some examples, certain properties of the simulated effects may bebased, at least in part, on the simulation parameters. For example, thesimulation program 300 may simulate certain welding effects (e.g.,welding arcs, weld puddles, weld beads, welding sounds, welding fumes,vibration) differently depending on a type and/or model of welding-typeequipment (e.g., welding-type power supply, wire feeder, gas supply,and/or welding tool 700) selected for the simulation, and/or theselected equipment parameters. In some examples, the simulation program300 may configure effect properties to be similar to the properties ofenvironmental effects that occur in the real world when welding usingthe selected equipment with the selected equipment parameters. This mayprovide a user with a welding experience that more closely adheres to awelding experience that they may experience in the real world usingequipment they are familiar with and/or own. In some examples, therealism of the effects may also be impacted by a realism setting.

As another example, the simulation program 300 may simulate theproperties of the feedback effects and/or other effects (e.g., reticles,targets, guides, instructions, markings) differently based on a selectedexercise, joint type, tutorial, goal, difficulty, feedback setting,realism, mode, and/or marking setting. In some examples, differentexercises and/or tutorials may entail welding at different locationswith different equipment parameters and/or welding techniques. Thesimulation program 300 may simulate feedback effects differently toreflect this, such as, for example, by changing reticles, targets,guides, instructions, markings to indicate to the user the requiredand/or recommended equipment parameters, welding techniques, and/orpositions, orientations, and/or configurations of the workpiece(s) 900and/or welding tool 700.

In the example of FIG. 3, the simulation program 300 proceeds to block314 after block 312. At block 314, the simulation program 300 outputsthe feedback, simulated effects, and/or grade/score to the user (e.g.,via the mobile device 200 and/or welding tool 700). For example, in anaugmented reality simulation, the graphics circuitry 224 (and/or othercircuitry) and display screen 204 of the mobile device 200 may generateone or more images that overlay one or more grades/scores, feedback,and/or simulated effects onto one or more images of the user's FOV 108(e.g., captured by the camera sensor(s) 208, mounted sensors 106, and/ormobile sensors 206). In a virtual reality simulation, the graphicscircuitry 224 (and/or other circuitry) and display screen 204 of themobile device 200 may generate one or more entirely simulated imagesthat include a simulated welding environment, welding tool 700, weldingworkpieces 900, etc., along with one or more grades/scores, feedback,and/or simulated effects. In some examples, the feedback, simulatedeffects, and/or grade/score may be output to the user via audio and/ortactile output instead of, or in addition to, visual output. In someexamples, the simulation program 300 may additionally output an optionallowing the user to share an image and/or video of the weldingsimulation, their weld, their current view, their grade/score, and/orsome other aspect of the welding simulation to a social mediaapplication.

In the example of FIG. 3, the simulation program 300 proceeds to block316 after block 314. At block 316, the simulation program 300 determineswhether the simulation should end or continue. In some examples, thesimulation program 300 may make this determination based on whether auser has reached a selected goal and/or completed a selected exercise.In some examples, the determination may be based on whether a user hasprovided some input indicative of a desire and/or command to stop thesimulation. If the simulation program 300 determines that the simulationshould stop, the simulation program 300 proceeds to block 306, which isdiscussed above. If the simulation program determines that thesimulation should continue, the simulation program 300 returns to block308.

In some examples, the simulation program 300 may implement changes tothe simulation configurations at block 316 if the simulation program 300determines the simulation should continue. For example, the user mayprovide one or more inputs indicative of a desire and/or command tochange one or more simulation configurations (e.g., exercise, equipmentparameters, goals, difficulty, realism, etc.) during the weldingsimulation. As another example, the simulation program 300 mayautomatically decide to change one or more simulation parameters. Insuch examples, the simulation program 300 may implement those changes atblock 316 if the simulation program 300 determines the simulation shouldcontinue, before returning to block 308.

FIG. 4a depicts an example display screen 204 of the mobile device 200during a normal operational mode of the simulation program 300. Asshown, the display screen 204 depicts a simulated welding tool 407applying a simulated welding arc 402 to a simulated workpiece assembly410 at an end of a simulated weld bead 404. A simulated weld puddle 406and simulated fumes 408 are produced by the simulated welding arc 402.An arrow 418 is displayed to give the user feedback as to where theyshould be welding. A grade 411 and a score 412 are shown at the bottomof the display screen 204.

In the example of FIG. 4a , interface buttons 414 are shown at the topand bottom of the display screen 204. In some examples, the buttons 414may inform a user about, and/or allow a user to select and/or change,certain simulation configuration parameters. In some examples, a usermay choose to end the welding simulation by selecting the “End” button414. In some examples, a user may choose to share one or more aspects ofthe welding simulation by selecting the “Share” button 414. In someexamples, the interface buttons 414 may be anchored to the workpiece(s)900, and/or a user may select one or more of the interface buttons(and/or provide other input) using the welding tool 700, such asdescribed, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/807,661, filed Feb. 19, 2019, and titled “SYSTEMS FOR SIMULATINGJOINING OPERATIONS USING MOBILE DEVICES,” the entirety of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 4b depicts an example display screen 204 of the mobile device 200during a tool-less mode of the simulation program 300. In some examples,the welding simulation program 300 may operate without a welding tool700 during a tool-less mode of operation. Instead of using a weldingtool 700, in some examples, a user may use their finger(s) and/or stylusto deliver touch screen inputs and/or perform the welding simulationduring a tool-less mode of operation. In the example of FIG. 4b , auser's hand 416 is providing touch input to the display screen 204 toindicate where a simulated welding arc 402 should be applied to asimulated workpiece assembly 410. In such an example, the simulationprogram 300 may capture touch input from the display screen 204 of themobile device 200 at block 308 and use that input to determine positionsand/or orientations of a simulated welding tool 407 at block 310, and/orsimulated effects at block 312.

In some examples, different touch input may be interpreted differentlyby the simulation program 300. For example, one finger input may beinterpreted as a command to move the simulated welding tool to aselected portion of the display screen 204. On the other hand, twofinger input may be interpreted as a command to begin welding (e.g.,activate the simulated welding tool 407), such as, for example, wherethe simulated welding tool 407 is already positioned, or at the selectedportion of the display screen 204.

In some examples, a user may hold the mobile device 200 in their hand,during a tool-less mode of operation, rather than the mobile device 200being held by the mobile device mount 102. In some examples, one or morephysical workpieces 900 may still be used during the tool-less mode ofoperation. In some examples, no workpiece(s) 900 or workpiece assemblies1000 may be used during the tool-less mode of operation, and thesimulation program 300 may simply generate one or more simulatedworkpiece assemblies 410 on its own.

FIG. 4c is an example depiction of a mobile device 200 mounted to awelding tool 700 during a helmet-less mode of the simulation program300. In some examples, the simulation program 300 may operate withoutthe helmet shell 104 during the helmet-less mode of operation. In someexamples, mounting the mobile device 200 to the welding tool 700 mayallow an operator to use the welding tool 700 and/or workpiece(s) 900 ina quasi-normal operation of the simulation program 300, but withouthaving to mount the mobile device 200 to a helmet shell 200 or having tohold the mobile device 200 themselves.

In the example of FIG. 4c , the mobile device 200 is mounted to thewelding tool 700 using a tool mount 450. In some examples, the toolmount 450 may be similar (or identical) to the device mount 102. In theexample of FIG. 4c , the tool mount 450 comprises a clamp 452 thatsecures the tool mount 450 to the welding tool 700, and a cradle 454having brackets 456 that holds the mobile device 200. In some examples,the cradle 454 may be considered part of the mobile device 200. In someexamples, the device mount 102 may be used as part or all of the cradle454. In some examples, the clamp 452 may comprise one or more magnets,adhesives, and/or other additional securement devices. In some examples,the clamp 452 of the tool mount 450 may be omitted and/or integratedinto the welding tool 700 itself (e.g., at the handle 704).

While not shown due to the perspective of the drawing, in some examples,the cradle 454 may further include a base configured to support themobile device 200. While not shown due to the perspective of thedrawing, in some examples, the cradle 454 (e.g., at the base) may beattached to the clamp 452 via a mechanical link. In some examples, themechanical link may comprise a flexible cable, a gooseneck, an arm, ajoint (e.g., a ball joint), a ratcheting mechanism, and/or other meansby which to movably connect the cradle 454 to the clamp 452. In someexamples, the mechanical link is configured to allow the cradle 454 tobe repositioned with respect to the clamp 452 and/or welding tool 700,so that the position, orientation, and/or FOV 108 of the mobile device200 may be adjusted.

In some examples, the simulation program 300 may provide a preview ofthe impact of certain feedback setting(s) and/or other simulationparameters. For example, the display screen 204 may show a preview 499of feedback effects that might be shown during the simulation program300 under the selected feedback setting(s). In some examples, such apreview 499 might be shown when setting and/or changing feedbacksettings and/or other simulation parameters (e.g., at blocks 302 and/or316). FIGS. 4d-4f show examples of such previews 499 shown on an exampledisplay screen 204 of the mobile device 200.

In the examples of FIGS. 4d-4f , the display screen 204 depicts anoptions panel 498 having several interface buttons 414. Interfacebuttons 414 a, 414 b, 414 c, and 414 d are feedback guide settings forwork angle, travel angle, contact to work distance (CTWD), and travelspeed guides, respectively. Interface buttons 414 e and 414 f correspondto simulation exercise settings for push and drag welds, respectively.Interface buttons 414 g and 4141 h correspond to user characteristicsettings for right and left handedness, respectively. Interface button414 i allows a user to select all the guides.

In the example of FIGS. 4d-4f , the display screen 204 also depicts apreview 499 above the options panel 498. As shown, the preview 499includes a depiction of a simulated welding tool 407, along with sampleguides 496 a, 496 b, 496 c, and 496 d. In some examples, each sampleguide 496 corresponds to one of the feedback guide setting buttons 414a, 414 b, 414 c, and 414 d. Thus, a particular sample guide 496 is shownin the preview 499 when its corresponding feedback guide setting button414 is selected, and not shown in the preview 499 when its correspondingfeedback guide setting button 414 is not selected.

In FIG. 4d , all the feedback guide setting buttons 414 a, 414 b, 414 c,and 414 d are shown as selected. Likewise, all the sample guides 496 a,496 b, 496 c, and 496 d are shown in the preview 499. In FIG. 4e , thework angle button 414 a and travel speed button 414 d have beendeselected, while the travel angle button 414 b and CTWD button 414 cremain selected. Accordingly, the preview 499 depicts the sample guide496 b and sample guide 496 c, but not the sample guide 496 a or sampleguide 496 d. In FIG. 4f , the opposite is true; the work angle button414 a and travel speed button 414 d are selected, while the travel anglebutton 414 b and CTWD button 414 c have been deselected. Accordingly,the preview 499 depicts the sample guide 496 a and sample guide 496 d,but not the sample guide 496 b or sample guide 496 c.

In the examples of FIGS. 4d-4f , the depictions of both the preview 499and the simulation exercise setting buttons 414 e and 414 f aredependent on the selection of the characteristic setting buttons 414 g/hfor right and left handedness. In the examples of FIGS. 4d and 4e , theright handed characteristic setting button 414 g is selected, and soboth the preview 499 and simulation exercise setting buttons 414 e and414 f are depicted in a right handed orientation. However, in FIG. 4f ,the left handed characteristic setting button 414 h is selected, and soboth the preview 499 and the simulation exercise setting buttons 414 eand 414 f are depicted in a left handed orientation. While shown as astatic image in the examples of FIGS. 4d-4f , in some examples, thepreview 499 may be an animation or video, such as a video of apreviously recorded simulation. In some examples, the depictions of thepreview 499 and/or the simulation exercise setting buttons 414 e/f mayassist a user in quickly understanding how feedback, usercharacteristic, simulation exercise, and/or other settings might impactthe simulation program 300.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example temperature detectionprocess 500. In some examples, the temperature detection process 500 mayalter operation of the welding simulation program 300 and/or mobiledevice 200 if/when the operating temperature of the mobile device 200exceeds a threshold. In some examples, the temperature detection process500 may comprise machine readable instructions stored by the memorycircuitry 226 of the mobile device 200. In some examples, thetemperature detection process 500 may be part of the welding simulationprogram 300. For example, the temperature detection process 500 mayexecute during the preliminary configuration block 302 of the simulationprogram 300, and/or when the simulation loop recurs at block 316. Insome examples, the temperature detection process 500 may executeindependently of the welding simulation program 300, such as, forexample, before, during, and/or after the execution of the weldingsimulation program 300.

In the example of FIG. 5, the temperature detection process 500 beginsat block 502. At block 502, the temperature detection process 500determines a temperature of the mobile device 200 and/or one or morecomponents of the mobile device 200. In some examples, the temperaturedetection process 500 may determine the temperature via the mountedsensors 106 of the mobile device mount 102 and/or the mobile sensors 206of the mobile device 200. In some examples, mobile sensors 206 and/ormounted sensors 106 may be positioned and/or configured to detect anoverall temperature of the mobile device 200, and/or a particulartemperature of one or more particular components of the mobile device200. For example, the mobile device 200 may have one or more internalmobile temperature sensors 206 positioned and/or configured to measure atemperature proximate the processing circuitry 222, graphics circuitry224, communication circuitry 210, memory circuitry 226, and/or othercomponents of the mobile device 200. As another example, the mobilesensors 206 and/or mounted sensors 106 may be positioned and/orconfigured to measure an overall temperature of the mobile device 200 asa whole.

In the example of FIG. 5, the temperature detection process 500 proceedsto block 504 after block 502. At block 504, the temperature detectionprocess 500 determines whether one or more temperatures measured atblock 502 are less than one or more first temperature thresholds. Insome examples, the first temperature threshold(s) may be representativeof one or more temperatures below which there is little risk of thermaldamage to the mobile device 200. In some examples, the first temperaturethreshold(s) may be predetermined and/or stored in the memory circuitry226. In some examples, one or more of the temperature threshold may beset by a user, such as, for example, during block 302 of the weldingsimulation program 300. In some examples, the temperature detectionprocess 500 may consider multiple first temperature thresholds at block504. For example, the memory circuitry 226 may store different firsttemperature thresholds for the mobile device 200 as a whole and theindividual components of the mobile device 200 (e.g., the processingcircuitry 222, the graphics circuitry 224, etc.).

In the example of FIG. 5, the temperature detection process 500 proceedsto block 506 after block 504 if the temperature detection process 500determines one or more measured temperatures are below the firsttemperature threshold(s). In some examples, the temperature detectionprocess 500 proceeds to block 506 after block 504 only if thetemperature of the mobile device 200 as a whole and the temperature ofall of its individual components are all less than (or equal to) thefirst temperature threshold(s). In some examples, the temperaturedetection process 500 proceeds to block 506 after block 504 if thetemperature of the mobile device 200 as a whole or the temperature ofany of its individual components are less than (or equal to) the firsttemperature threshold(s).

At block 506, the temperature detection process 500 sets (or returns)the mobile device 200 and/or simulation program 300 (and/or relatedsettings) to regular, default, and/or peak operation. In some examples,this may comprise setting, resetting, and/or increasing one or moreperformance and/or graphical settings of the mobile device 200 and/orsimulation program 300, and/or one or more related settings (e.g.,realism, resolution, etc.). In some examples, this may comprise enablingand/or resuming uploads to the remote server(s) 114, mirroring done bythe remote display(s) 116, the welding simulation blocks 308 and/or 316,and/or the simulation program 300 in general. As shown, the temperaturedetection process 500 ends after block 506, though, in some examples,the temperature detection process 500 may instead return to block 502instead of ending.

In the example of FIG. 5, the temperature detection process 500 proceedsto block 508 after block 504 if the temperature detection process 500determines that one or more measured temperatures are not below thefirst temperature threshold(s). At block 508, the temperature detectionprocess 500 determines whether one or more temperatures measured atblock 502 are greater than one or more second temperature thresholds. Insome examples, the second temperature threshold(s) may be the same orhigher than the first temperature threshold(s). In some examples, thesecond temperature threshold(s) may be representative of one or moretemperatures above which there is non-trivial and/or substantial risk ofthermal damage to the mobile device 200. In some examples, one or moreof the second temperature thresholds may be predetermined and/or storedin the memory circuitry 226. In some examples, one or more of the secondtemperature thresholds may be set by a user, such as, for example,during block 302 of the welding simulation program 300. In someexamples, the temperature detection process 500 may consider multiplesecond temperature thresholds at block 508. For example, the memorycircuitry 226 may store different second temperature thresholds for themobile device 200 as a whole and the individual components of the mobiledevice 200 (e.g., the processing circuitry 222, the graphics circuitry224).

In the example of FIG. 5, the temperature detection process 500 endsafter block 508 if the measured temperature of the mobile device 200and/or its components are less than their respective second temperaturethresholds. In some examples, the temperature detection process 500 endsif the measured temperature of the mobile device 200 and/or itsindividual components are less than or equal to their respective secondtemperature thresholds. In some examples, the temperature detectionprocess 500 ends only if the temperature of the mobile device 200 as awhole and the temperature of all of its individual components are allless than (or equal to) their respective second temperature thresholds.In some examples, the temperature detection process 500 ends if thetemperature of the mobile device 200 as a whole or the temperature ofany of its individual components are less than (or equal to) theirrespective second temperature threshold. While shown as ending in theexample of FIG. 5, in some examples, the temperature detection process500 may instead return to block 502 instead of ending.

In the example of FIG. 5, the temperature detection process 500 proceedsto block 510 after block 508 in response to determining the temperatureof the mobile device 200 as a whole and/or the temperature of all orsome of its individual components are greater than or equal to theirrespective second temperature thresholds. At block 510, the temperaturedetection process 500 outputs one or more notifications. In someexamples, the notification(s) may be output via the light(s) 202,speaker(s) 214, display screen 204, and/or any other output device(s)216 of the mobile device 200. In some examples, the notification(s) maybe output via a speaker, light, vibration device, and/or other outputdevice of the welding tool 700. In some examples, the notification(s)may include one or more symbols, icons, messages (e.g., visual and/oraudio), animations, vibrations, and/or light flashes. For example, thewelding tool 700 and/or mobile device 200 may vibrate to indicate thatone or more temperatures have exceeded the threshold(s). As anotherexample, speech may play from the welding tool 700 and/or mobile device200 telling the user that one or more temperatures have exceeded thethreshold(s), and/or how to reduce the temperature(s). As anotherexample, an icon, symbol, text message, one or more pictures, a video,and/or an animation may be shown via the display screen 204 of themobile device telling the user that one or more temperatures haveexceeded the threshold(s), and/or how to reduce the temperature(s). Insome examples, the notification may include an output (such as discussedabove) indicating that the welding simulation will be terminated,disabled, and/or prevented from running until the temperature(s) arereduced.

In the example of FIG. 5, the temperature detection process 500 proceedsto block 512 after block 510. In some examples, block 510 may instead beskipped and/or omitted. In such an example, the temperature detectionprocess 500 may proceed to block 512 after block 508 if the temperaturedetection process 500 determines that the temperature(s) measured atblock 502 is/are greater than the second temperature threshold(s).

At block 512, the temperature detection process 500 determines whetherthe one or more temperatures measured at block 502 are greater than oneor more third temperature thresholds. In some examples, the thirdtemperature threshold(s) may be the same or higher than the secondtemperature threshold(s). In some examples, the third temperaturethreshold(s) may be representative of one or more temperatures abovewhich there is significant and/or immediate risk of thermal damage tothe mobile device 200. In some examples, one or more of the thirdtemperature thresholds may be predetermined and/or stored in the memorycircuitry 226. In some examples, one or more of the third temperaturethresholds may be set by a user, such as, for example, during block 302of the welding simulation program 300. In some examples, the temperaturedetection process 500 may consider multiple third temperature thresholdsat block 510. For example, the memory circuitry 226 may store differentthird temperature thresholds for the mobile device 200 as a whole andthe individual components of the mobile device 200 (e.g., the processingcircuitry 222, the graphics circuitry 224).

In the example of FIG. 5, the temperature detection process 500 endsafter block 512 if the measured temperature of the mobile device 200and/or its components are less than their respective third temperaturethresholds. In some examples, the temperature detection process 500 endsif the measured temperature of the mobile device 200 and/or itsindividual components are less than or equal to their respective thirdtemperature thresholds. In some examples, the temperature detectionprocess 500 ends only if the temperature of the mobile device 200 as awhole and the temperature of all of its individual components are allless than (or equal to) their respective third temperature thresholds.In some examples, the temperature detection process 500 ends if thetemperature of the mobile device 200 as a whole or the temperature ofany of its individual components are less than (or equal to) theirrespective third temperature threshold. While shown as ending in theexample of FIG. 5, in some examples, the temperature detection process500 may instead return to block 502 instead of ending.

In the example of FIG. 5, the temperature detection process 500 proceedsto block 514 after block 512 in response to determining the temperatureof the mobile device 200 as a whole and/or the temperature of all orsome of its individual components are greater than or equal to theirrespective third temperature thresholds. At block 514, the temperaturedetection process 500 alters an operation, parameter, setting,configuration, and/or other aspect of the mobile device 200 and/orsimulation program 300 to reduce a temperature of the mobile device 200and/or one or components of the mobile device 200. In some examples, thealteration(s) may comprise a decrease in a performance and/or graphicalsetting of the mobile device 200 and/or simulation program 300, and/or arelated setting (e.g., realism, resolution, etc.). In some examples, thealteration(s) may comprise turning off and/or stopping uploads to theremote server(s) 114, to lessen the work required by the communicationcircuitry 210. In some examples, the alteration(s) may comprise turningoff and/or terminating any mirroring being done on the remote display(s)116 to lessen the work required by the communication circuitry 210and/or graphics circuitry 224. In some examples, the alteration(s) maycomprise terminating the simulation program 300 entirely, and/orprohibiting the simulation program 300 from beginning the weldingsimulation at block 308 and/or continuing the welding simulation atblock 316. In some examples, the alteration(s) may comprise poweringdown the mobile device 200. While the example of FIG. 5 shows thetemperature detection process 500 ending after block 514, in someexamples, the temperature detection process 500 may instead return toblock 502 instead of ending.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example orientation configurationprocess 600. In some examples, the orientation configuration process 600may determine whether a current orientation of the mobile device 200should be changed before beginning the welding simulation. In someexamples, the orientation configuration process 600 may comprise machinereadable instructions stored by the memory circuitry 226 of the mobiledevice 200. In some examples, the orientation configuration process 600may execute as part of the welding simulation program 300. For example,the orientation configuration process 600 may execute during thepreliminary configuration block 302 of the simulation program 300 and/orwhen the simulation loop recurs at block 316. In some examples, theorientation configuration process 600 may execute independently of thewelding simulation program 300, such as, for example, before executionof the welding simulation program 300. In some examples, the orientationconfiguration process 600 may only execute during a normal mode ofoperation.

In the example of FIG. 6, the orientation configuration process 600begins at block 602. At block 602, the orientation configuration process600 determines a current orientation (e.g., left or right landscape) ofthe mobile device 200 within the mobile device mount 102. In someexamples, this orientation determination may include and/or entailreceiving some input from the user (e.g., via welding tool 700 and/orone of the input devices 218) identifying the orientation of the mobiledevice 200 In some examples, this determination may include and/orentail evaluating one or more measurements and/or outputs of the camerasensor(s) 208, mobile sensor(s) 206, and/or mount sensor(s) 106. Forexample, the orientation configuration process 600 may evaluatemagnetometer, accelerometer, IMU, and/or other sensor data to determinethe orientation of the mobile device 200.

In some examples, the mobile device 200 may undergo a calibration stepprior to the orientation configuration process 600, where sensor datafrom the camera sensor(s) 208, mobile sensor(s) 206, and/or mountsensor(s) 106 is evaluated in different orientations of the mobiledevice 200 and/or associated with the different orientations of themobile device when stored in memory circuitry 226. In such an example,the orientation configuration process 600 may compare instantaneous datafrom of the camera sensor(s) 208, mobile sensor(s) 206, and/or mountsensor(s) 106 with the stored data to determine the most likelyorientation of the mobile device 200. In some examples, the sensor dataand orientation association(s) may be predefined and/or predetermined.For example, the sensor data and orientation association(s) may bedownloaded from the remote server(s) 114 and/or queried from memorycircuitry 226 (e.g., based on some identifying information of the mobiledevice 200, such as a make, model, serial number, etc.).

In some examples, the orientation configuration process 600 may evaluatesensor data from interactions and/or communications between the mobilesensor(s) 206 and/or mount sensor(s) 106 to determine an orientation ofthe mobile device 200. For example, the mobile device mount 102 mayinclude one or more mounted sensors 106 (e.g., NFC and/or RFID sensors)positioned at different portions of the device mount 102. In such anexample, the mounted sensor(s) 106 may be configured to sense, detect,communicate with, and/or otherwise interface with one or more mobilesensors 206 of the mobile device 200 when the mobile sensor(s) 206 andmounted sensor(s) 106 are in proximity to one another. In some examples,certain mobile sensors 206 and mounted sensors 106 may only be in suchproximity when the mobile device 200 is in a particular orientation. Insome examples, a calibration step and/or loading of calibration data maybe performed prior to this sort of orientation determination, similar tothat discussed above.

In the example of FIG. 6, the orientation configuration process 600proceeds to block 604 from block 602. At block 604, the orientationconfiguration process 600 determines an operational orientation of themobile device 200. In some examples, determination of the operationalorientation may be based on one or more user characteristics (e.g.,dominant user hand). In some examples, the user characteristic(s) may bedetermined via manual input from the user (e.g., selection of one ormore options via the welding tool 700 and/or input device 218 of mobiledevice 200), loading of the user characteristic(s) from memory circuitry226, and/or download of the user characteristic(s) from the remoteserver(s) 114.

In some examples, the user characteristic(s) may be automaticallydetermined by the orientation configuration process 600. For example,the orientation configuration process 600 may determine the usercharacteristic(s) based on certain user behaviors observed during thewelding simulation. In some examples, data from the mounted sensors 106and/or the mobile sensors 206 may show that a user exhibits weldingbehavior indicative of one or more particular user characteristics. Forexample, data from the mounted sensors 106 and/or the mobile sensors 206may show that a user positions the welding tool 700 relative to theworkpiece assembly 1000 in a certain way and/or a certain orientation atthe start and/or end of a particular type of welding that is indicativeof a particular user characteristic. For example, the orientationconfiguration process 600 may determine that a user is right handed ifdata from the mounted sensor(s) 106, camera sensor(s) 208, and/or mobilesensor(s) 206 show that the user positions the welding tool 700 to theright of the workpiece assembly 1000 when beginning a push weldingtechnique, and/or positions the welding tool 700 to the left of theworkpiece assembly 1000 when beginning a drag welding technique.

In some examples, the orientation configuration process 600 maydetermine the user characteristic(s) based on data from the mountedsensor(s) 106, camera sensor(s) 208, and/or mobile sensor(s) 206relating to the welding tool 700, and/or markers 112 on the welding tool700. For example, the orientation configuration process 600 may analyzeand/or evaluate (e.g., image) data captured by the mounted sensor(s)106, camera sensor(s) 208, and/or mobile sensor(s) 206 to determinewhether the markers 112 on the welding tool 700 are relativelydiscernable, clear, and/or perpendicular to the camera sensor(s) 208. Insome examples, the orientation configuration process 600 may furtherconsider the current orientation of the mobile device 200 determined atblock 602 when determining the user characteristic(s) and/or operationalorientation. For example, the orientation configuration process 600 mayanalyze and/or evaluate the sensor data and determine that the markers112 on the welding are not discernable, clear, and/or perpendicular tothe camera sensor(s) 208. The orientation configuration process 600 mayfurther determine that the current mobile device 200 orientation(determined at block 602), in conjunction with the determination thatthe markers 112 are less than discernable, clear, and/or perpendicular,suggests a particular user characteristic (e.g., right handed). Further,the orientation configuration process 600 may determine that, in view ofthe user characteristic and the current orientation of the mobile device200, the operational orientation of the mobile device 200 during thewelding simulation should be a different orientation.

FIGS. 7a-7b illustrate different perspectives of a welding tool 700,such as may be captured, for example, by a camera sensor 208 of themobile device 200 when the mobile device is mounted in differentorientations. In the example of FIG. 7a , the welding tool 700 appearsoriented substantially parallel to the viewer. While some of the markers112 on the nozzle 702 are somewhat visible, most of the markers 112 arecompletely invisible due to the orientation of the welding tool 700.Additionally, the profile of the welding tool 700 itself is difficult todiscern. Indeed, were the welding tool 700 tilted farther forward in theexample of FIG. 7a , none of the markers 112 might be visible and thevisible profile of the welding tool 700 would be even less.

In the example of FIG. 7b , the welding tool 700 is oriented moreperpendicular to the viewer, such that a substantial side and/orperspective profile of the welding tool 700 is relatively apparent. Moremarkers 112 on the nozzle 702 of the welding tool 700 are clear andvisible than in FIG. 7a . The markers 112, and the profile of thewelding tool 700, are also more perpendicular to the viewer. Were thewelding tool 700 to tilt forward or backward (as may occur duringwelding), the markers 112 on the welding tool 700 would still bevisible. Additionally, the profile of the welding tool 700 and/orfeatures of the welding tool 700 (e.g., the nozzle 702, neck 708, handle704, trigger 706, logo 712, etc.) would still be visible.

In some examples, the memory circuitry 226 of the mobile device 200 maystore information relating to the markers 112 of the welding tool 700(e.g., number, shape, size, pattern, position, etc.). In some examples,the memory circuitry 226 may store other data relating to the weldingtool 700, such as, for example, one or more images, models, and/ordiagrams of the welding tool 700 and/or its shape, features, dimensions,and/or other characteristics. In some examples, the orientationconfiguration process 600 may compare the stored information to theinformation obtained from the mounted sensor(s) 106, camera sensor(s)208, and/or other mobile sensor(s) 206 to determine the usercharacteristic.

For example, the orientation configuration process 600 may determinethat the welding tool 700 is oriented similarly to FIG. 7a relative tothe camera sensor(s) 208 based on an analysis of the sensor data.Further, the current orientation of the mobile device 200 determined atblock 602 may be a right landscape orientation, with the camerasensor(s) 208 facing outwards from the mobile device mount 102 throughthe right aperture 110 a rather than the left aperture 110 b. In such anexample, the orientation configuration process 600 may determine thatthe user is right handed. Further, the orientation configuration process600 may determine that the operational orientation of the mobile device200 should be a left landscape orientation (e.g., with the camerasensor(s) 208 facing outwards from the mobile device mount 102 throughthe left aperture 110 b, based on the determined user characteristic(i.e., right handedness), as that would provide a clearer and/or moreperpendicular view of the welding tool 700 and/or markers 112 (similarto FIG. 7b ).

In the example of FIG. 6, the orientation configuration process 600proceeds to block 606 after block 604. At block 606, the orientationconfiguration process 600 determines whether the current orientation ofthe mobile device 200 determined at block 602 is the same as theoperational orientation determined at block 604. If so, the orientationconfiguration process 600 proceeds to block 608, where the orientationconfiguration process 600 returns and/or executes the welding simulation(e.g., at block 302 of the program 300) then ends. If not, theorientation configuration process 600 proceeds to block 610, where theorientation configuration process 600 outputs one or more notificationsto the user, then ends. However, in some examples, the orientationconfiguration process 600 may return to the beginning at block 602 afterblock 610, rather than ending.

In some examples, the notification(s) output at block 610 may be outputvia the speaker(s) 214, display screen 204, and/or output device(s) 216of the mobile device 200. In some examples, the notification(s) outputat block 610 may be output via a speaker and/or vibration device of thewelding tool 700. In some examples, the notification(s) may include oneor more arrows, icons, messages (e.g., visual and/or audio), animations,vibrations, and/or light flashes. For example, the welding tool 700and/or mobile device 200 may vibrate to indicate that the orientationshould change, and/or speech may play from the welding tool 700 and/ormobile device 200 telling the user that the orientation should bechanged and/or providing instructions on how to change the orientation.As another example, an icon, arrow, text message, one or more pictures,a video, and/or an animation may be shown via the display screen 204 ofthe mobile device telling the user that the orientation should bechanged and/or providing instructions on how to change the orientation.In some examples, the notification may include an output (such asdiscussed above) indicating that the welding simulation will beterminated, disabled, and/or prevented from running until theorientation is changed. In some examples, the orientation configurationprocess 600 may interface with the simulation program 300 to preventexecution of the welding simulation until the orientation is changed. Insome examples, the notification(s) may indicate that (and/or how) anorientation (and/or other configuration) of the device mount 102 may bechanged in order to change an orientation of the mobile device 200.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example workpiece configurationprocess 800. In some examples, the workpiece configuration process 800may detect and/or determine a spatial relationship between two or moreworkpieces 900 based on data from the camera sensor(s) 208, mobilesensor(s) 206 and/or mounted sensor(s) 106. In some examples, theworkpiece configuration process 800 may comprise machine readableinstructions stored by the memory circuitry 226 of the mobile device200. In some examples, the workpiece configuration process 800 mayexecute as part of the welding simulation program 300. For example, theworkpiece configuration process 800 may execute during the preliminaryconfiguration block 302 of the simulation program 300 and/or when thesimulation loop recurs at block 316. In some examples, the workpiececonfiguration process 800 may execute independently of the weldingsimulation program 300, such as, for example, before execution of thewelding simulation program 300.

In the example of FIG. 8, the workpiece configuration process 800 beginsat block 802. At block 802, the workpiece configuration process 800determines a spatial relationship (e.g., relative positions and/ororientations) between two or more workpieces 900. In some examples, theworkpiece configuration process 800 may determine the spatialrelationship based on data from the camera sensor(s) 208, mobilesensor(s) 206, and/or mounted sensor(s) 106. For example, the workpiececonfiguration process 800 may analyze and/or evaluate the data in anattempt to recognize features and/or characteristics of a workpiece 900,such as, for example, one or more markers 112 (and/or the absence of oneor more markers 112). In some examples, the memory circuitry 226 mayinclude and/or store images, models, diagrams, and/or other datarelating to known features and/or characteristics of certain workpieces900. Such features and/or characteristics may include, for example,types, positions, orientations, patterns, shapes, dimensions, numbers,arrangements, colors, and/or other properties of the markers 112 on theworkpieces 900. In some examples, the features and/or characteristicsmay include, for example, one or more dimensions, profiles, shapes,and/or other properties of the workpieces 900 themselves. In someexamples, the workpiece configuration process 800 may additionallyconsider the position and/or orientation of the mobile device 200 (andtherefore the user) relative to the workpiece(s) 900 when determiningthe spatial relationship between the two or more workpieces 900.

In the example of FIG. 8, the workpiece configuration process 800proceeds to block 804 after block 802. At block 804, the workpiececonfiguration process 800 determines whether the spatial relationshipbetween two or more workpieces 900 is such that a joint and/orintersection has been formed between the two or more workpieces 900.Obviously, in examples where the workpiece configuration process 800fails to recognize at least two workpieces 900 at block 802, theworkpiece configuration process 800 will determine there is no joint orintersection between two or more workpieces 900. In some examples, theworkpiece configuration process 800 may detect and/or recognize two ormore workpieces 900 within the FOV 108 and/or vicinity of the mobiledevice 200, yet still fail to detect and/or recognize a joint and/orintersection between the two or more workpieces 900. For example, thetwo or more workpieces 900 may instead be separated by some distance,rather than intersecting. In the example of FIG. 8, the workpiececonfiguration process 800 proceeds to block 810 (discussed below) if theworkpiece configuration process 800 determines that no joint and/orintersection has been formed between two or more workpieces 900.

In the example of FIG. 8, the workpiece configuration process 800proceeds to block 806 after block 804 if the workpiece configurationprocess 800 determines that one or more joints and/or intersections havebeen formed between two or more workpieces 900. At block 806, theworkpiece configuration process 800 determines what type ofintersection(s) and/or joint(s) are formed by the two or more workpieces900. For example, a joint may be lap joint, a butt joint, a cornerjoint, a T joint, an edge joint, a pipe joint, and/or some other type ofjoint.

In some examples, the determination of the type(s) of joint(s) and/orintersection(s) may be based on data from the camera sensor(s) 208,mobile sensor(s) 206, and/or mount sensor(s) relating to features and/orcharacteristics of the workpieces 900. In some examples, thedetermination of the type(s) of joint(s) and/or intersection(s) mayadditionally be based on data stored in memory circuitry 226 relating tofeatures and/or characteristics of known workpieces 900, workpiecesassemblies 1000, and/or joints formed between workpieces 900 to form oneor more workpiece assemblies 1000. For example, the workpiececonfiguration process 800 may analyze and/or evaluate the sensor datacollected by the camera sensor(s) 208, mobile sensor(s) 206, and/ormounted sensor(s) 106 and compare that sensor data to the data stored inmemory circuitry 226 in an attempt to recognize one or more types ofjoints and/or intersections. In some examples, the stored data may bestored by and/or retrieved from the remote server(s) 116 instead of, orin addition to, the memory circuitry 226.

In some examples, the stored data may include, for example, images,models, diagrams, and/or other data relating to features and/orcharacteristics of known workpieces 900, workpieces assemblies 1000,and/or joints. In some examples, the features and/or characteristics mayinclude the presence and/or absence of one or more markers 112. In someexamples, the features and/or characteristics may include types,positions, orientations, patterns, shapes, dimensions, numbers,arrangements, colors, and/or other properties of the markers 112 on theworkpieces 900. In some examples, the features and/or characteristicsmay include dimensions, profiles, shapes, and/or other properties of theworkpieces 900 themselves. In some examples, the features and/orcharacteristics may include dimensions, profiles, shapes, and/or otherproperties of various workpiece assemblies 1000 that may be formed bycombinations of workpieces 900. In some examples, the features and/orcharacteristics may include dimensions, profiles, shapes, and/or otherproperties of various joints that may be formed between workpieces 900to create the workpiece assemblies 1000.

In the example of FIG. 8, the workpiece configuration process 800proceeds to block 808 after block 806. At block 808, the workpiececonfiguration process 800 determines whether the joint type(s)determined at block 806 match one or more expected joint types. In someexamples, the workpiece configuration process 800 may determine the oneor more expected joint types based on one or more simulation parameters(e.g., exercise(s), joint type(s), difficulty, etc.). In some examples,there may be no expected joint type and/or the expected joint type(s)may be any joint type.

In some examples, block 808 is satisfied if there is at least one jointtype determined at block 806 for each expected joint type 1. In someexamples, the number of joint types must match the exact same number ofexpected joint types (e.g., 6 lap joints=6 expected lap joints) forblock 806 to be satisfied. In some examples, block 806 may also besatisfied if the number of joint types is more than the number ofexpected joint types (e.g., 8 lap joints>6 expected lap joints).

In the example of FIG. 8, the workpiece configuration process 800proceeds to block 812 if the joint type(s) determined at block 806 matchthe expected joint type(s) at block 808. At block 812, the workpiececonfiguration process 800 returns and/or executes the welding simulation(e.g., at block 302 of the program 300). In some examples, the weldingsimulation may execute using the joint type(s) determined by theworkpiece configuration process 800. In some examples, the workpiececonfiguration process 800 may also interface with the welding simulationprogram 300 to record a positive impact on the score/grade of the userat block 812, and/or output a notification to that effect. In theexample of FIG. 8, the workpiece configuration process 800 ends afterblock 812. However, in some examples, the workpiece configurationprocess 800 may return to block 802 after block 812 instead of ending.

In the example of FIG. 8, the workpiece configuration process 800proceeds to block 810 if the joint type(s) determined at block 806 donot match the expected joint type(s) at block 808, or if the workpiececonfiguration process 800 determines that there are no joints at block804. At block 810, the workpiece configuration process 800 outputs anotification. In some examples, the workpiece configuration process 800may also interface with the welding simulation program 300 to record anegative impact on the score/grade of the user at block 810, and/oroutput a notification to that effect. In some examples, a magnitude ofthe negative impact may be influenced by a degree of difference betweenthe expected joint(s) and the determined joint(s), and/or whether therewas any joint at all. As shown, after block 810, the workpiececonfiguration process 800 ends. However, in some examples, theorientation configuration process 600 may return to the beginning atblock 802 after block 810, rather than ending.

In some examples, the notification(s) output at block 810 and/or 812 maybe output via the speaker(s) 214, display screen 204, and/or outputdevice(s) 216 of the mobile device 200. In some examples, thenotification(s) may be output via a speaker and/or vibration device ofthe welding tool 700. In some examples, the notification(s) may includeone or more arrows, icons, messages (e.g., visual and/or audio),animations, vibrations, and/or light flashes. For example, the weldingtool 700 and/or mobile device 200 may vibrate to indicate that there areno recognized joints or that one or more of the recognized joints aredifferent than the expected joint(s). As another example, speech mayplay from the welding tool 700 and/or mobile device 200 telling the userthat the workpieces 900 should be rearranged (and/or how they should berearranged) to produce an expected joint changed and/or workpieceassembly 1000. As another example, an icon, arrow, text message, one ormore pictures, a video, and/or an animation may be shown via the displayscreen 204 of the mobile device telling the user that the workpieces 900should be rearranged (and/or how they should be rearranged). In someexamples, the notification may include an output (such as discussedabove) indicating that the welding simulation will be terminated,disabled, and/or prevented from running until the workpieces 900 arerearranged. In some examples, the workpiece configuration process 800may interface with the simulation program 300 to prevent execution ofthe welding simulation until the orientation is changed.

FIGS. 9a-9f depict example modular workpieces 900 that may be used withthe weld training system 100. FIGS. 9a-9d depict substantially flat,cuboid, workpieces 900. FIG. 9e depicts a cylindrical workpiece 900.FIG. 9f shows a more irregularly shaped workpiece 900. In some examples,each modular workpiece 900 may include and/or be configured with one ormore connectors 902 that enable the modular workpiece 900 to betool-lessly connected and/or disconnected to another modular workpiece900 to form a workpiece assembly 1000. FIGS. 10a-10f show exampleworkpiece assemblies 1000 that may be constructed from the variousworkpieces 900. In some examples, each modular workpiece 900 may includeand/or be configured with one or more fixture couplers 904 that enablethe modular workpiece 900 to be tool-lessly connected and/ordisconnected to a fixturing system 1100. FIGS. 11a-11c show examplefixturing systems 1100 that may be used to capture and/or retainworkpiece assemblies 1000.

In some examples, a connector 902 may be a magnet (north or southpolarity), an electromagnet, a ferromagnetic material, a hook fastener,a loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a clamping fastener, aprong, a stud, an aperture, a socket, and/or some other type oftool-less connector. In some examples, tool-less connectors 902 may beadvantageous because they can be easily connected to and/or engaged withother connectors 902 without the need for auxiliary tools (e.g.,screwdrivers, hammers, etc.). Tool-less connectors 902 may also beadvantageous over adhesives, as the tool-less connectors 902 may becontinually connected, disconnected, and reconnected with negligiblechange to their effectiveness, unlike adhesives.

FIG. 9a shows an example modular workpiece 900 a. As shown, theworkpiece 900 a is a substantially flat, cuboid, object. The workpiece900 a has a substantially flat upper surface 906 on which markers 112are disposed. While hidden in the example of FIG. 9a , the workpiece 900a also has a lower surface opposite the upper surface 906. Severalsidewalls 908 of the workpiece 900 a connect the upper surface 906 andlower surface.

In the example of FIG. 9a , a fixture coupler 904 is disposed on asidewall 908 of the workpiece 900 a. As shown, the coupler 904 on theworkpiece 900 is an aperture. However, in some examples, the coupler 904may be any of the tool-less type connectors 902 described above. In someexamples, the coupler 904 may be configured to tool-lessly engage with,and/or disengage from, a complementary coupler 904 of a fixturing system1100, so as to hold the workpiece 900 a in place for simulated welding.

In the example of FIG. 9a , arrays of connectors 902 are distributedalong two opposite edges of the upper surface 906. Connectors 902 arealso arrayed along an edge of the lower surface, substantially alignedwith those on the upper surface 906. While hidden in the example of FIG.9a , an array of connectors 902 may also be distributed along anopposite edge of the lower surface. In some examples, markers 112 mayalso be disposed on the lower surface. In some examples, arrays ofconnectors 902 may be distributed along the other edges of the workpiece900 as well. In some examples, fewer connectors 902 may be distributedalong the workpiece 900.

In the example of FIG. 9a , the connectors 902 along each edge aresubstantially evenly spaced and/or symmetrical. In some examples, thismay allow each and/or any array of connectors 902 on the workpiece 900 ato be used with any other workpiece 900 with a similar array ofconnectors 902. Thus, two workpieces 900 a may be connected together inseveral different ways to form several different joints, such as, forexample, the lap joint workpiece assembly 1000 a shown in FIG. 10 a.

FIG. 9b shows another example modular workpiece 900 b. As shown, theworkpiece 900 b is also a substantially flat, cuboid, object. Theworkpiece 900 b also has a substantially flat upper surface 906 on whichmarkers 112 are disposed, and a sidewall 908 on which a coupler 904 isdisposed. An array of connectors 902 are also substantially evenlydistributed along an edge of the upper surface 906.

However, unlike the workpiece 900 a, the workpiece 900 b has no markers112 across an approximate middle of the workpiece 900 b in the exampleof FIG. 9b . Instead, an array of connectors 902 are distributed acrossthe middle of the workpiece 900. The markers 112 have been removedacross the middle to allow for another workpiece 900 to be connectedacross the middle. Nevertheless, in some examples, markers 112 may bedisposed across the middle over or under the connectors 902. FIG. 9dshows a workpiece 900 d with connectors across the middle arrayed in asubstantially symmetrical arrangement underneath (and/or hidden by) themarkers 112.

In the example of FIG. 9b , the connectors 902 are asymmetrically and/orunevenly distributed across the middle of the workpiece 900 b in a pokayoke arrangement. In some examples, this asymmetric and/or poka yokearrangement of connectors 902 may allow only connection to workpieces900 with complementary arrangements of connectors 902. Additionally, theasymmetry may ensure the workpieces 900 only connect together in aparticular configuration and/or orientation, thereby preventingunintended and/or incorrect arrangements and/or connections.

FIG. 9c shows a workpiece 900 c that is similar to workpiece 900 a.However, instead of connectors 902 arrayed along edges of the uppersurface 906 and lower surface, workpiece 900 c has connectors 902arrayed along a sidewall 908 of the workpiece 900 c. While only shown onone sidewall 908 in the example of FIG. 9c , in some examples, theconnectors 902 may be arrayed along several sidewalls 908. Theconnectors 902 are also arranged asymmetrically, similar to workpiece900 b.

Given the complementary arrangement of connectors 902 in workpiece 900 band workpiece 900 c, in some examples, the two workpieces 900 mayconnect together to form a T joint workpiece assembly 1000 b. Such a Tjoint workpiece assembly 1000 b is shown, for example, in FIG. 10b . Insome examples, two workpieces 900 c may connect together along thesidewalls 908 to form an edge joint workpiece assembly 1000 c, such asshown, for example in FIG. 10c . In some examples, the connectors 902 onthe sidewall 908 of workpiece 900 c (and/or along a different sidewall908) may be symmetrically arranged more like those of workpiece 900 a,so that a connection with workpiece 900 a may be possible to form a buttjoint and/or corner joint, such as shown in the workpiece assembly 1000d of FIG. 10d . While the workpieces 900 a-d in FIGS. 9a-9d are eachshown with distinct arrangements to illustrate certain concepts, in someexamples, a single workpiece 900 may include and/or combine two or moreof these arrangements.

FIG. 9e shows a cylindrical workpiece 900 e with connectors arranged ina circular pattern on its upper surface 906. While not shown due to theviewpoint of FIG. 9e , in some examples a similar arrangement (and/or adifferent arrangement) of connectors 902 may be arranged on a lowersurface of the workpiece 900 e, and/or on the sidewall 908 of theworkpiece 900 e. With such an arrangement of connectors 902, theworkpieces 900 may be stacked to form a pipe joint workpiece assembly1000 e, such as shown, for example, in FIG. 10 e.

While FIGS. 9a-9e show conventional shaped workpieces 900, in someexamples, the weld training system 100 may include irregularly and/orunconventionally shaped workpieces. FIG. 9f depicts an example of anirregularly shaped workpiece 900 f. As shown, the workpiece 900 f issomewhat wave shaped, with connectors 902 arranged on an upper surface.In some examples, connectors 902 may also be arranged on the sidewalls908. FIG. 10f shows an irregular workpiece assembly 100 f formed fromtwo workpieces 900 f. Other workpiece 900 and/or workpiece assembly 1000shapes and/or configurations are also contemplated by this disclosure.While FIGS. 10a-10f show workpiece assemblies 100 comprising twoconnected workpieces 900, in some examples, a workpiece assembly maycomprise three or more connected workpieces 900.

FIGS. 11a-11b depict an example fixturing system 1100 a. In someexamples, the fixturing system 1100 a may be configured to retain one ormore workpieces 900 and/or workpiece assemblies 1000 in variouspositions, such as for welding, observation, inspection, temporarystorage, and/or other appropriate activities. FIG. 11a shows thefixturing system 1100 a in a disengaged position, where no workpieceassembly 1000 is retained by the fixturing system 1100. FIG. 11b showsthe fixturing system 1100 a in an engaged position where the fixturingsystem 1100 a retains a workpiece assembly 1000 in a fixed position.

In the examples of FIGS. 11a-11b , the fixturing system 1100 includestwo movable retainers 1102. Each retainer 1102 has a body 1106 attachedto a coupler 1104. As shown, the coupler 1104 of each retainer 1102 is aprong. However, in some examples, the coupler 1104 may be any of thetool-less type connectors described above. In some examples, the coupler1104 may be configured to tool-lessly engage with, and/or disengagefrom, a complementary coupler 904 on a workpiece 900, so as to hold theworkpiece 900 in a fixed position for simulated welding.

In the example of FIGS. 11a-11b , each retainer 1102 of the fixturingsystem 1100 is linked to a fixture 1108 through a linking mechanism. Insome examples, the fixture 1108 may be a tube, pipe, stanchion, table,platform, wall, and/or other appropriate surface. As shown, the linkingmechanism includes a fixture clamp 1110 connected to the fixture 1108and a retainer clamp 1112 connected to the retainer body 1106. Thefixture clamp 1110 and retainer clamp 1112 are connected to one anotherthrough a mechanical link 1114. In some examples, the connection of thefixture clamp 1110 to the fixture 1108 may be loosened and/or tightened,such as, by example, loosening and/or tightening the fixture clamp 1110via a tightening mechanism (not shown). By loosening and/or tighteningthe fixture clamps 1110, the retainers 1102 may be moved apart to allowa workpiece 900 and/or workpiece assembly 1000 to be put in place (e.g.,as shown in FIG. 11a ), then moved back together to retain the workpiece900 and/or workpiece assembly 1000 via the couplers 1104 (e.g., as shownin FIG. 11b ).

FIG. 11c shows an example of an alternative fixturing system 1100 b. Inthe example of FIG. 11c , the fixture clamps 1110 are part of theretainer bodies 1106, and the retainer clamps 1112 and link 1114 areomitted. As shown, the tightening mechanism 1116 is also in mechanicalcommunication with the retainer bodies 1106 and, through them, thefixture clamps 1110.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example equipment configurationprocess 1200. In some examples, the equipment configuration process 1200may generate a simulated equipment interface that replicates anappearance of an actual equipment interface corresponding to a selectedpiece of welding-type equipment. In some examples, the equipmentconfiguration process 1200 may additionally allow the user to selectequipment parameters that may be used to conduct the welding simulationvia the simulated equipment interface. In some examples, the equipmentconfiguration process 1200 may comprise machine readable instructionsstored by the memory circuitry 226 of the mobile device 200. In someexamples, the equipment configuration process 1200 may be part of thewelding simulation program 300. For example, the equipment configurationprocess 1200 may execute during the preliminary configuration block 302of the simulation program 300, and/or during the welding simulation. Insome examples, the equipment configuration process 1200 may executeindependently of the welding simulation program 300, such as, forexample, before, during, and/or after the execution of the weldingsimulation program 300.

In the example of FIG. 12, the equipment configuration process 1200begins at block 1202. At block 1202, the equipment configuration process1200 determines what welding-type equipment may be selected for thewelding simulation. In some examples, this determination may be based oncertain user information, such as, for example, what equipment the usercurrently uses, has previously purchased, and/or is authorized to usefor the welding simulation. In some examples, this user information maybe stored in memory circuitry 226 and/or received from the remoteserver(s) 114 (e.g., in response to one or more signals and/or queries).In some examples, the determination may be based on one or moresimulation parameters (e.g., exercise, difficulty, realism, usercharacteristics, etc.).

In the example of FIG. 12, the equipment configuration process 1200proceeds to block 1204 after block 1202. At block 1204, the equipmentconfiguration process 1200 automatically selects, or allows a user toselect, a piece of welding-type equipment. In some examples, theequipment configuration process 1200 may automatically select thewelding-type equipment when there is only one appropriate option, suchas, for example, when a selected simulation parameter (e.g., exercise)dictates that a particular piece of welding-type equipment be used, orwhen the user information only allows for one particular piece ofwelding-type equipment. In some examples, the equipment configurationprocess 1200 may automatically select a default piece of welding even ifthere are multiple appropriate options, and let the user decide whetherto keep or change the default welding-type equipment.

In some examples, the equipment configuration process 1200 may allow auser to select the welding-type equipment using the welding tool 700,display screen 204, one or more input devices 218, mobile sensors 206,camera sensors 208, and/or other appropriate mechanisms. In someexamples, the equipment configuration process 1200 may allow a user toselect the welding-type equipment via a dropdown menu 1302 displayed tothe user, such as shown in FIG. 13, for example. For example, theequipment configuration process 1200 may display the dropdown menu 1302,and the user may use speech, the welding tool 700, and/or some othermeans to make selections. In some examples, the equipment configurationprocess 1200 may allow the user to select the welding-type equipment byentering an identifier (e.g., serial number) of a real piece ofwelding-type equipment, scanning a graphical indicia (e.g., QR code,barcode, etc.) having identifying information of a real piece ofwelding-type equipment encoded, taking a picture of a real piece ofwelding-type equipment, and/or some other means. In some examples, theequipment configuration process 1200 may prohibit selection ofwelding-type equipment determined not to be available at block 1202.

In the example of FIG. 12, the equipment configuration process 1200proceeds to block 1206 after block 1204. At block 1206, the equipmentconfiguration process 1200 checks to make sure the selected welding-typeequipment is one of the pieces of welding-type equipment determined tobe available at block 1202. If not, the equipment configuration process1200 returns to block 1204. If so, the equipment configuration process1200 proceeds to block 1208.

In the example of FIG. 12, the equipment configuration process 1200displays on the display screen 204 of the mobile device 200 a simulatedequipment interface 1304 that replicates the appearance of an actualequipment interface 1404 of the selected welding-type equipment. In someexamples, this replication may help orient a user who is alreadyfamiliar with the actual interface 1404 of the selected welding-typeequipment, thereby making them more comfortable with the weldingsimulation. In some examples, the replication may help familiarize userswith new welding-type equipment interfaces if the selected welding-typeequipment is not one with which they are already readily familiar. Whiledescribed as being displayed on the display screen 204 of the mobiledevice, in some examples, the simulated equipment interface 1304 mayinstead be displayed on the display screen(s) 204 of the desktop device250.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a simulated equipment interface 1304displayed on the display screen 204 of the mobile device 200. As shown,the user has selected an AX1 Welder as the equipment. FIG. 14 shows anexample of an actual AX1 Welder 1400, with its actual equipmentinterface 1404. As shown, the simulated equipment interface 1304replicates an actual equipment interface 1404 of the AX1 Welder 1400,with simulated buttons, options, and display screens, as well as asimulated dial. In some examples, the user may use the simulatedequipment interface 1304 to select equipment parameters to use in thewelding simulation.

In some examples, the equipment configuration process 1200 mayadditionally provide one or more recommendations to the user (e.g., viathe display screen 204 and/or speaker(s) 214) based on the selectedwelding-type equipment. For example, the equipment configuration process1200 may recommend equipment parameters (e.g., gas type, wire type,etc.) and/or complementary welding-type equipment based on the selectedwelding-type equipment. In some examples, the equipment configurationprocess 1200 may store (e.g., in memory circuitry 226) recommendedequipment parameters associated with certain welding-type equipmentand/or other simulation parameters (e.g., exercise, realism, difficult,goals, etc.), and query the stored recommendations. In some examples,the equipment configuration process 1200 may receive recommendationsfrom the remote server(s) 114 (e.g., in response to one or more similarqueries and/or signals). In the example of FIG. 13 the equipmentconfiguration process 1200 has displayed a recommendation message 1306recommended a certain wire type for the selected welding-type equipment.

In the example of FIG. 12, the equipment configuration process 1200proceeds to block 1210 after block 1208. At block 1210, the equipmentconfiguration process 1200 receives the equipment parameters from theuser via the simulated equipment interface 1304. In some examples, theequipment configuration process 1200 may also receive other selectionsfrom the user at block 1210. For example, a user may select to receivemore information about the welding-type equipment they have selected. Inthe example of FIG. 13, the display screen 204 displays a link 1308 toan informational page (e.g., online and/or locally stored) where theuser may access more information about the selected welding-typeequipment. In some examples, selection of this link 1308 may direct theuser to an informational page that is also a purchasing page where theselected welding-type equipment, a recommended (or other) consumable(e.g., wire, gas, contact tip, etc.), complementary welding-typeequipment, and/or other items may be purchased.

In the example of FIG. 12, the equipment configuration process 1200proceeds to block 1212 after block 1210. At block 1212 the equipmentconfiguration process 1200 determines whether the user has selected thelink 1308. If so, the equipment configuration process 1200 proceeds toblock 1214, where the user is taken to the informational and/orpurchasing page associated with the link 1308. If the user does notselect the link 1308 (or when the user has finished with theinformational/purchasing page), the equipment configuration process 1200proceeds to block 1218.

In the example of FIG. 12, the equipment configuration process 1200determines whether the user has finished entering equipment parametersat block 1218. In some examples, the equipment configuration process1200 may determine the user has finished when the user makes an explicitselection that they have finished (e.g., by selecting the “Done” icon1310 in FIG. 13). In some examples, the equipment configuration process1200 may determine the user has finished when all or a sufficient numberof equipment parameters have been entered. In some examples, thesufficient number may be based on other simulation parameters (e.g.,exercise, goal, user characteristics etc.). In some examples, theequipment configuration process 1200 may prohibit finishing until all ora sufficient number of equipment parameters have been entered. In theexample of FIG. 12, the equipment configuration process 1200 returns toblock 1210 if the equipment configuration process 1200 determines theuser has not finished entering equipment parameters.

In the example of FIG. 12, the equipment configuration process 1200proceeds to block 1220 if the equipment configuration process 1200determines the user has finished entering equipment parameters. At block1220 the equipment configuration process 1200 either returns to the mainwelding simulation program 300, where a welding simulation may be runusing the selected equipment parameters, or begins the weldingsimulation itself using the selected equipment parameters. As shown, theequipment configuration process 1200 ends after block 1220.

The present disclosure contemplates using mobile devices 200 (and/ordesktop devices 250) to conduct welding simulations. In some examples,it may be advantageous to use mobile devices 200 due to theiravailability, relative affordability, and/or technical power. Thedisclosure further contemplates automatically detecting whether anorientation of the mobile device 200 is proper for the simulation, andnotifying the user if not.

The present disclosure additionally contemplates using modularworkpieces 900 for conducting welding simulations. In some examples, themodular workpieces 900 may be configured to tool-lessly connect to,and/or disconnect from, other modular workpieces 900 to form variousworkpiece assemblies 1000. In some examples, tool-less connectors 902may be advantageous because they can be easily connected to and/orengaged with other connectors 902 without the need for auxiliary tools(e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, etc.). Tool-less connectors 902 may alsobe advantageous over adhesives, as the tool-less connectors 902 may becontinually connected, disconnected, and reconnected with negligiblechange to their effectiveness, unlike adhesives. In some examples, thewelding simulation may further be configured to recognize differentjoints formed by the modular workpieces 900, and conduct the weldingsimulation accordingly.

The present disclosure further contemplates using simulated equipmentinterfaces 1304 that replicate the appearance of actual equipmentinterfaces 1404 of actual welding-type equipment. In some examples, thisreplication may help orient a user who is already familiar with aparticular piece of welding-type equipment and/or its actual equipmentinterface 1404, thereby making them more comfortable with the weldingsimulation. In some examples, the replication may help users who areunfamiliar with a particular piece of welding-type equipment becomefamiliar with the welding-type equipment (and/or its actual equipmentinterface 1404). Additionally, the present disclosure contemplatessimulating certain welding effects in accordance with the way theeffects might occur in the real world when real welding is performedusing the real world welding-type equipment.

The present method and/or system may be realized in hardware, software,or a combination of hardware and software. The present methods and/orsystems may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least onecomputing system, or in a distributed fashion where different elementsare spread across several interconnected computing or cloud systems.Some examples may comprise a non-transitory machine-readable (e.g.,computer readable) medium (e.g., FLASH drive, optical disk, magneticstorage disk, or the like) having stored thereon one or more lines ofcode executable by a machine, thereby causing the machine to performprocesses as described herein.

While the present method and/or system has been described with referenceto certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substitutedwithout departing from the scope of the present method and/or system. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departingfrom its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present method and/orsystem not be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that thepresent method and/or system will include all implementations fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims.

As used herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the listjoined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of thethree-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/or y” means“one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y, and/or z” means anyelement of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z),(x, y, z}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means “one or more of x, yand z”.

As utilized herein, the terms “e.g.,” and “for example” set off lists ofone or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “coupled to,” and “coupled with,”each mean a structural and/or electrical connection, whether attached,affixed, connected, joined, fastened, linked, and/or otherwise secured.As used herein, the term “attach” means to affix, couple, connect, join,fasten, link, and/or otherwise secure. As used herein, the term“connect” means to attach, affix, couple, join, fasten, link, and/orotherwise secure.

As used herein, “mobile device” or “mobile electronic device” refers toa handheld electronic computing apparatus having a casing that houses acamera, a display screen, processing circuitry, and communicationcircuitry in a single unit.

As used herein, “desktop device” or “desktop electronic device” refersto a non-handheld electronic computing apparatus that houses processingcircuitry, communication circuitry, and possibly a display in a singleunit, while also controlling (and/or powering) a camera and a displaythat are housed in a separate unit (e.g., a helmet shell) outside of thesingle unit of the non-handheld electronic computing apparatus.

As used herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer to physicalelectronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and/or firmware(“code”) which may configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware,and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, forexample, a particular processor and memory may comprise a first“circuit” when executing a first one or more lines of code and maycomprise a second “circuit” when executing a second one or more lines ofcode. As utilized herein, circuitry is “operable” and/or “configured” toperform a function whenever the circuitry comprises the necessaryhardware and/or code (if any is necessary) to perform the function,regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or enabled(e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

As used herein, a control circuit may include digital and/or analogcircuitry, discrete and/or integrated circuitry, microprocessors, DSPs,etc., software, hardware and/or firmware, located on one or more boards,that form part or all of a controller, and/or are used to control awelding process, and/or a device such as a power source or wire feeder.

As used herein, the term “processor” means processing devices,apparatus, programs, circuits, components, systems, and subsystems,whether implemented in hardware, tangibly embodied software, or both,and whether or not it is programmable. The term “processor” as usedherein includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices,hardwired circuits, signal-modifying devices and systems, devices andmachines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmabledevices and systems, field-programmable gate arrays,application-specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systemscomprising discrete elements and/or circuits, state machines, virtualmachines, data processors, processing facilities, and combinations ofany of the foregoing. The processor may be, for example, any type ofgeneral purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signalprocessing (DSP) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a reduced instruction setcomputer (RISC) processor with an advanced RISC machine (ARM) core, etc.The processor may be coupled to, and/or integrated with a memory device.

As used, herein, the term “memory” and/or “memory circuitry” meanscomputer hardware or circuitry to store information for use by aprocessor and/or other digital device. The memory and/or memorycircuitry can be any suitable type of computer memory or any other typeof electronic storage medium, such as, for example, read-only memory(ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, compact disc read-onlymemory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory,programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), a computer-readable medium, or the like. Memory can include,for example, a non-transitory memory, a non-transitory processorreadable medium, a non-transitory computer readable medium, non-volatilememory, dynamic RAM (DRAM), volatile memory, ferroelectric RAM (FRAM),first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory, last-in-first-out (LIFO) memory, stackmemory, non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), static RAM (SRAM), a cache, a buffer,a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, a flashmemory, a flash card, a compact flash card, memory cards, secure digitalmemory cards, a microcard, a minicard, an expansion card, a smart card,a memory stick, a multimedia card, a picture card, flash storage, asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, a hard drive (HDD), a solid statedrive (SSD), etc. The memory can be configured to store code,instructions, applications, software, firmware and/or data, and may beexternal, internal, or both with respect to the processor.

As used herein, welding-type refers to welding, cladding, brazing,plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arc cutting, and/or hot wirewelding/preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding), carbonarc cutting or gouging, and/or resistive preheating.

As used herein, welding-type power refers power suitable for welding,cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, carbon arccutting, and/or hot wire welding/preheating (including laser welding andlaser cladding), carbon arc cutting or gouging, and/or resistivepreheating.

As used herein, a welding-type power supply and/or power source refersto any device capable of, when power is applied thereto, supplyingwelding, cladding, brazing, plasma cutting, induction heating, laser(including laser welding, laser hybrid, and laser cladding), carbon arccutting or gouging, and/or resistive preheating, including but notlimited to transformer-rectifiers, inverters, converters, resonant powersupplies, quasi-resonant power supplies, switch-mode power supplies,etc., as well as control circuitry and other ancillary circuitryassociated therewith.

Disabling of circuitry, actuators, hardware, and/or software may be donevia hardware, software (including firmware), or a combination ofhardware and software, and may include physical disconnection,de-energization, and/or a software control that restricts commands frombeing implemented to activate the circuitry, actuators, hardware, and/orsoftware. Similarly, enabling of circuitry, actuators, hardware, and/orsoftware may be done via hardware, software (including firmware), or acombination of hardware and software, using the same mechanisms used fordisabling.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mock workpiece for use with a mobile electronicdevice conducting a welding simulation, comprising: an objectcomprising: a marker configured for recognition or detection by themobile electronic device; and a connector configured for tool-lessconnection to a complementary connector of a complementary mockworkpiece, wherein the marker is positioned over the connector, hidingthe connector.
 2. The mock workpiece of claim 1, wherein the connectorcomprises a magnet, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap fastener, abutton, a clamping fastener, a prong, a stud, or a socket.
 3. The mockworkpiece of claim 2, wherein the connector comprises an array ofconnectors positioned along an edge or middle of the object.
 4. The mockworkpiece of claim 3, wherein the array of connectors are arrangedasymmetrically in a poka yoke configuration to prevent incorrectconnection to the complementary connector.
 5. The mock workpiece ofclaim 1, wherein the object further comprises a first face, a secondface, and a plurality of sidewalls connecting the first face to thesecond face, each of the first face and the second face having a polygonshape and a larger surface area than each of the plurality of sidewalls,the connector being positioned on or in the first face or the secondface.
 6. The mock workpiece of claim 1, wherein the connection of theconnector and complementary connector creates a joint at an intersectionof the mock workpiece and the complementary mock workpiece, the jointcomprising a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a T joint, an edgejoint, or a pipe joint.
 7. A weld training system, comprising: a firstworkpiece having a first connector; a second workpiece having a secondconnector configured to tool-lessly engage the first connector to securethe first workpiece to the second workpiece; and a mobile electronicdevice configured to conduct a weld training simulation, the mobileelectronic device comprising: a sensor configured to detect datarelating to the first workpiece and second workpiece, processingcircuitry, and memory circuitry comprising computer readableinstructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause theprocessing circuitry to: determine a spatial relationship between thefirst workpiece and the second workpiece based on the data detected bythe sensor, the spatial relationship comprising a type of joint definedby an intersection of the first workpiece and second workpiece, the typeof joint comprising a lap joint, a butt joint, a corner joint, a Tjoint, an edge joint, or a pipe joint.
 8. The weld training system ofclaim 7, wherein the memory circuitry further comprises computerreadable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry,cause the processing circuitry to output a notification in response todetermining the spatial relationship is different than an expectedspatial relationship.
 9. The weld training system of claim 8, whereinthe notification comprises instructions for transitioning from thespatial relationship determined by the processing circuitry to theexpected spatial relationship.
 10. The weld training system of claim 8,wherein the expected spatial relationship is based on a parameter of theweld training simulation, the parameter comprising a selected exercise,a selected part, or a selected joint type.
 11. The weld training systemof claim 8, wherein the memory circuitry further comprises computerreadable instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry,cause the processing circuitry to determine a training score based on adifference between the spatial relationship determined by the processingcircuitry and the expected spatial relationship.
 12. The weld trainingsystem of claim 7, wherein the memory circuitry further comprisescomputer readable instructions which, when executed by the processingcircuitry, cause the processing circuitry to conduct the weld trainingsimulation based on the spatial relationship of the first workpiece andsecond workpiece.
 13. A mock workpiece assembly for use with a mobileelectronic device conducting a welding simulation, comprising: a firstmock workpiece, comprising: a first marker configured for recognition ordetection by the mobile electronic device, and a first connector; and asecond mock workpiece comprising: a second marker configured forrecognition or detection by the mobile electronic device, a secondconnector configured for tool-less connection to the first connector ina first joint arrangement, and a third connector configured fortool-less connection to the first connector in a second jointarrangement that is different than the first joint arrangement.
 14. Themock workpiece assembly of claim 13, wherein the first connector, secondconnector, and third connector comprise a first connector array, secondconnector array, and third connector array, respectively.
 15. The mockworkpiece assembly of claim 13, wherein the first joint arrangement orsecond joint arrangement comprise a lap joint, a butt joint, a cornerjoint, a T joint, or an edge joint.
 16. The mock workpiece assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the second connector and third connector are furtherconfigured for tool-less disconnection from the first connector.
 17. Themock workpiece assembly of claim 13, wherein the first connector, secondconnector, or third connector comprises a magnet, a hook fastener, aloop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, a clamping fastener, a prong,a stud, or a socket.
 18. The mock workpiece assembly of claim 13,further comprising a third mock workpiece comprising: a third markerconfigured for recognition or detection by the mobile electronic device,and a fourth connector configured for tool-less connection to the firstconnector in a third joint arrangement.
 19. A mock workpiece for usewith a mobile electronic device conducting a welding simulation,comprising: an object comprising: a marker configured for recognition ordetection by the mobile electronic device; and an array of connectorsconfigured for tool-less connection to a complementary connector of acomplementary mock workpiece, the array of connectors comprising amagnet, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, a snap fastener, a button, aclamping fastener, a prong, a stud, or a socket, and the array ofconnectors arranged asymmetrically in a poka yoke configuration toprevent incorrect connection to the complementary connector.
 20. A mockworkpiece for use with a mobile electronic device conducting a weldingsimulation, comprising: an object comprising: a marker configured forrecognition or detection by the mobile electronic device; and aconnector configured for tool-less connection to a first complementaryconnector of a complementary mock workpiece and removable connection toa second complementary connector of a fixturing system.